Homicide on Munger Avenue

Update: September 6, 2019 at 9:45 a.m.:

On September 5, 2019, Davonte Benton, a 19-year-old black male, was arrested by the Dallas Police Department for the capital murder of Brandoniya Bennett on August 14, 2019. Benton was interviewed by detectives and has been charged with this offense in addition to Tyrese Simmons. He was transported to Lew Sterrett Jail and his bond will be decided by a Dallas County magistrate.

Update: August 15, 2019 at 6:45 p.m.: The suspect, Tyrese Simmons, has turned himself in to the Lew Sterrett jail.  He is expected to be charged with capital murder.

The Dallas Police Department announced a primary suspect in the shooting death of 9-year-old Brandoniya Bennett. He is Tyrese Simmons, age 19.

Tyrese Simmons, age 19

According to intel received by the Dallas Police Department, Simmons, went to Roseland Town Homes, at 3535 Munger Avenue to confront a person. When the person refused to come out of the apartment, Simmons, circled around to the back of the apartment complex and opened fire on the wrong apartment, fatally striking Brandoniya who was inside at the time.

The police discovered that the shooter and the intended target consider themselves rappers who used social media to disparage the other. This confrontation ultimately led to the shooting.

The Dallas Police Department recognizes the community’s concern for proactive policing therefore, residents will see an increased presence.

Dallas Police are asking that anyone with information regarding this incident contact Detective Morgan with the Dallas Police Department Homicide Unit a(214) 671-3630, or jake.morgan@dallascityhall.com. Please reference case #164774-2019.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information called into Crime Stoppers that leads to the arrest and indictment for this felony offense and other felony offenses. Call Crime Stoppers at 214-373-TIPS (8477), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Original Post: August 14, 2019

Police responded to shots fired at 3535 Munger Avenue at approximately 5:25 p.m.When officers arrived they discovered a 9-year-old girl had been shot. Officers administered CPR before transporting the girl to Dallas Fire Rescue personnel. DFR took her to Baylor Hospital where the victim was pronounced dead.

Detectives have determined this is a gang related shooting. Witnesses tell police that the suspects approached an apartment, demanding that one of the tenants come outside. When the tenant refused, the suspects circled around to the back of the apartment building. The suspects then opened fire on the wrong apartment striking the little girl that was inside.

Out of respect for the family and the investigation, we will not release the child’s name. Police are searching for suspects at this time.

If you have any information regarding this incident, call Dallas Police Homicide at 214-671-3584.