Shootings in Deep Ellum leave at least 4 dead, 15 injured on Halloween; Dallas police are investigating

DALLAS – Four people were killed and about 15 others injured in three separate shootings in the Deep Ellum entertainment district in the early hours of Sunday morning after Halloween festivities, according to Dallas police.

Halloween shootings in Deep Ellum

What we know:

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux detailed the chaos during a press briefing Sunday morning, describing a complex and evolving investigation as detectives work to establish whether the three incidents were connected.

“Right now, in total, we have four people deceased in three separate scenes, and we have about 15 other people who were injured,” Comeaux said. He noted that the number of injured remains fluid as several victims were transported themselves to local hospitals following the violence.

Investigators currently have no evidence that the three shootings are connected. The violence took place over a period of time, with shootings spaced about 30 minutes to an hour apart in the Deep Ellum neighborhood.

Authorities did not release the specific addresses of the three crime scenes, citing the ongoing nature of the process, but confirmed it all took place in Deep Ellum.

Despite the violence, Comeaux praised police officers for their quick response, noting that additional patrols were deployed in anticipation of large Halloween crowds Saturday night.

What they say:

“We had a full complement here,” Comeaux said. “We looked at the plan. We knew it was Saturday night. We knew it was Halloween, so we had the proper staffing.”

In one case, officers positioned less than two blocks away ran directly toward the sound of gunfire and arrived almost immediately. Officers performed lifesaving measures on scene, successfully resuscitating at least one injured victim, according to the chief.

Police have made arrests and are questioning several people while working to determine their potential links to the shooting. Detectives are also interviewing witnesses and actively searching for additional suspects.

What’s next:

Investigators plan to go door to door at local businesses to collect surveillance video and review footage from local cameras. Police appealed directly to the public for help, urging anyone with photos, videos or social media clips from the area to come forward.

“It’s completely unacceptable that this is taking place in Dallas, and we’re going to do everything we need to do to take into custody everyone who is responsible for this,” Comeaux said.

Crime scenes are expected to remain active throughout Sunday as evidence technicians collect shell casings and process areas.