A 23-year-old Texas woman has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for fatally shooting another woman outside a Dallas store following an argument that began over her failure to say thank you.
Keona Hampton pleaded guilty to murder in the killing of 41-year-old Cecilia Simpson. She was sentenced under a plea agreement approved by a Dallas County judge and received credit for time already spent in jail.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, the incident began in October 2025 when Simpson held a door open for Hampton as they left a Five Below store in a shopping centre. Simpson became upset when Hampton did not thank her, and the two began arguing.
Simpson and a companion later drove to a nearby PetSmart in the same complex. Hampton followed them. The argument continued and escalated into a physical fight in the parking lot.
During the confrontation, Hampton pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots at Simpson before fleeing. Simpson was taken to hospital but later died from her injuries.
Hampton was arrested and later admitted to the confrontation and shooting.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
