The Dallas Police Department has classified a fatal shooting as “justifiable homicide” and will refer the case to a Dallas County Grand Jury.
According to Dallas Police, officers of the department responded to a shooting scene at approximately 11:39 p.m. on February 11.
Upon arrival at the scene at 3435 N. Winnetka Avenue, near Benito Juárez Park, officers spoke with the suspect, who told them that he shot the victim because he felt threatened.
The suspect is identified as 26-year-old Christopher Johnson.
The victim, identified as 25-year-old Gavino Lorta, and Johnson had an ongoing dispute between them, according to Dallas Police.
Lorta and his brother went to Johnson’s house and found him standing in front of his house, talking to a friend.
Dallas Police said Lorta and his brother got out of their vehicle and began approaching Johnson while simultaneously pointing their guns at him.
According to Dallas Police, Johnson felt threatened by Lorta and his brother as they approached and quickly grabbed his weapon. Johnson allegedly fired at the two men and struck the 25-year-old once in the shoulder.
Dallas police said the 25-year-old was transported to an area hospital with a personal vehicle, where he later died from his injury.
Dallas Police said a female witness, who had been with Lorta and his brother, but was standing outside the vehicle when the gunfire exchange began, was grazed by a stray bullet. She was treated and released at the hospital.
Police did not reveal the nature of the ongoing dispute but said the case would be classified as justifiable homicide and referred to a Dallas County Grand Jury.
