UPDATE: The Ferris Department of Public Safety apprehended Juliana Pargas in Lancaster on Monday, May 12th, without incident. She was located at a family member's home.
Original Post:
The Ferris Department of Public Safety is investigating a deadly incident that occurred at Jerry Watson Park, located in the 300 block of Donna Drive, on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Authorities responded to the scene at approximately 1:54 p.m. following reports of a disturbance.
Initial findings indicate that a physical altercation involving over ten juveniles and young adults escalated, leading to multiple individuals producing firearms. An exchange of gunfire ensued.
One person was transported by Ferris EMS and pronounced deceased at an area hospital. Another individual was injured and received treatment at a local emergency medical facility.
Multiple subjects have been taken into custody in connection with the incident. Charges are pending as the investigation remains active.
The Ferris Department of Public Safety utilized surveillance footage from cameras deployed throughout the city, including at Jerry Watson Park, to aid investigators in understanding the sequence of events and apprehending those involved.
The Department is collaborating with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department and the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office on the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this incident to contact the Ferris Department of Public Safety at 972-544-2225.
UPDATE 5/11/2025: The Ferris Department of Public Safety has provided further information regarding the fatal shooting at Jerry Watson Memorial Park on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
The deceased has been identified as 17-year-old Sir Robert Wesley Dixon. Investigators have determined through surveillance footage and witness statements that Mr. Dixon was shot in the neck by a juvenile suspect during a large altercation involving juveniles and young adults.
Following the initial shooting, an adult male retrieved a firearm previously in Mr. Dixon’s possession and fired multiple rounds towards the juvenile believed to have fired the first shot. A second juvenile was struck by this gunfire and later received treatment at an emergency clinic. Both the juvenile shooter and the adult male who fired afterward are in custody. The juvenile has been charged with Murder, and the adult male faces charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Unlawful Carry of a Weapon.
Authorities are now seeking a female of unknown age who was present at the scene and is believed to have possessed the firearm used in the initial shooting. Investigators report she provided the weapon to Mr. Dixon shortly before the incident. While her age is not yet confirmed, she has been identified as a suspect, and charges under Texas Penal Code §7.02 – Criminal Responsibility for the Conduct of Another (Murder) are anticipated. Her role is considered central to the crime. Due to the possibility of her being a minor, her name and photograph are being withheld at this time.
Also wanted is Julianna Jazzlean Pargas, who is being sought for Tampering with Physical Evidence, specifically involving a firearm used in the commission of the offense. This charge could be elevated to a State Jail Felony under Texas Penal Code §37.09.
The Ferris Department of Public Safety is urging both the unidentified female suspect and Julianna Jazzlean Pargas to turn themselves in immediately at the Marty Steinfeldt Public Safety Headquarters. Their cooperation is strongly encouraged.
In addition to the primary suspects, investigators are reviewing the actions of other adults present during the altercation. Individuals observed physically participating, encouraging violence, or facilitating the conflict may also face charges under Texas law.
The Ferris Department of Public Safety’s surveillance system at Jerry Watson Memorial Park captured the entire incident, proving crucial in the investigation. The Department is working in conjunction with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department and the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office to ensure all responsible parties are brought to justice.