What started as an $800 marijuana sale inside a southwest Fort Worth apartment ended in gunfire, a dead man and three others wounded, according to police and court records.
Investigators say a local barber, the barber’s uncle and a customer were all shot during a late-night robbery at the Decker Apartments in the 3600 block of Oak Tree Circle. Detectives say two men forced their way into the unit after arranging a marijuana buy with the barber, then pulled guns, grabbed the weed and other items and bolted as shots rang out. Neighbors in the complex have been left shaken while police continue to sort out exactly who fired when.
An arrest-warrant affidavit reviewed by Fort Worth Star-Telegram identifies the suspects as 20-year-old Zarion Evans and 19-year-old Zion Johnson. The document states the two went to the apartment to complete the deal, then pulled out handguns and demanded the marijuana. A brief exchange of gunfire followed, according to the affidavit, before the pair took off with roughly half a pound of marijuana, a Glock handgun, a wallet and a mobile phone. The barber had allegedly set up the sale for about $800, the affidavit says.
Victims and the scene
Police say the barber, his uncle and the customer survived their gunshot wounds. Another man tied to the same incident, identified in public records as Donnell Smith Jr., died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Public records and earlier reporting indicate Smith was killed during the same burst of violence that left the other three men injured. At least one person inside the apartment is believed to have exchanged fire with the intruders, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Arrests and what police say
Detectives later arrested Evans and Johnson and booked them into the Tarrant County Jail in connection with the Decker Apartments robbery and shooting. The affidavit reviewed by Fort Worth Star-Telegram says Evans admitted his involvement, told investigators his car was used and acknowledged that his phone was left behind at the scene. Johnson allegedly admitted he was the second person involved and said he had a gun but "did not fire," according to the same document.
Jail records cited in the affidavit list Evans’ bond at $450,000 and Johnson’s at $500,000. The warrant also ties both men directly to the robbery and details the marijuana, gun and other property that investigators say were taken from the apartment.
Charges and next steps
Evans was arrested on suspicion of capital murder and Johnson faces related robbery and assault allegations, according to reporting by AOL. Those remain allegations until prosecutors formally file charges and a judge arraigns the defendants.
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office will decide whether to seek an indictment or pursue other formal filings in the case, according to the same reporting. Fort Worth police say the investigation is active and that more information could surface as detectives continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence and putting together a full timeline of the shooting.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the robbery and shooting to contact Fort Worth police. Officials say additional details will be released as the probe moves forward.
