As North Texas communities prepare for the Fourth of July, the family of a Fort Worth woman killed in a holiday shooting two years ago is urging residents to prioritize safety. Latasha Hymond, a 39-year-old business owner, mother, and makeup artist, died during a July 4 gathering in the Eastland neighborhood of Fort Worth, which is located approximately 31 miles west of Dallas.
According to the Fort Worth Police Department, Hymond was shot in the crossfire at the intersection of Castleman Street and Comanche Street. Her cousin, Pastor Felton Jenkins, has dedicated himself to raising awareness about gun violence in south Fort Worth. He stated that the trauma of her death has profoundly altered his own approach to the holiday.
Jenkins, who wears a necklace with Hymond’s face, described her as deeply loved. He noted that the past six months have been isolating for him, leading him to withdraw from social interactions. Instead of attending cookouts or fireworks displays this year, Jenkins plans to remain at home. He emphasized that he will not join crowds or get-togethers, hoping his family’s experience might prevent other families from enduring similar loss.
"This gun violence will cease one day, but we have not forgotten about you, Latasha," Jenkins said. He added that while the pain remains, he hopes sharing their story will encourage responsible celebration.
Local authorities are simultaneously increasing public safety measures for the holiday weekend. Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert and Police Chief Daniel Comeaux held a news conference to outline their strategy. Comeaux warned that celebratory gunfire will not be tolerated and stated that random shooting is unacceptable. He urged residents to avoid firing weapons into the air, noting the danger posed by falling bullets.
