Fatal Shooting in Forest Hill: Two People Injured, One Fatally
February 24, 2025 | Updated: February 26, 2025, 6:09 p.m. CST
Two people were struck on Saturday afternoon by a "stray bullet" – including one fatally – while standing in the backyard of a Forest Hill home, police said.
The shooting occurred at around 7:15 p.m. at a residence in the 3900 block of Frisco Avenue, where officers found two individuals with gunshot wounds, according to Forest Hill Police Chief David Hernandez in a news release.
One of the individuals, later identified as Maria Trujillo, 38, died from her injuries, according to Tarrant County medical examiner records.
The release states that the other person, whose identity police did not provide, was injured but does not detail the severity of their wounds.
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The release does not state whether an arrest had been made.
A preliminary investigation suggested that the bullet came from an area about one block north of the home, the release says.
Related: Suspect dead, Garland officer wounded in ‘surreal’ shootout, police chief says
Hernandez said in the release that investigators from multiple agencies were "actively and tirelessly" working on the case. Forest Hill is a suburb southeast of Fort Worth.
"Authorities are now focused on identifying the individual responsible for discharging the firearm from across the highway," Hernandez said in the release.
The shooting appeared to be "isolated" and not related to another fatal shooting the day before at a Forest Hill car dealership, Hernandez said.
Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Forest Hill police’s criminal investigations division at 817-531-5250, option 5, or policeinvestigations@foresthilltx.org.
CORRECTION: 11:24 p.m. February 24 – A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the date of a shooting at a Forest Hill car dealership. That shooting was the day before the fatal stray bullet shooting.
What is a stray bullet?
A stray bullet is a bullet that travels beyond its intended target, often causing harm to unintended individuals, including innocent bystanders.
How common are stray bullets?
Stray bullets can occur in any situation where a firearm is discharged, but they are relatively rare. However, they can have devastating consequences, as seen in this case.
What should I do if I’m in a situation where a stray bullet is flying towards me?
If you find yourself in a situation where a stray bullet is heading towards you, the best course of action is to seek immediate shelter and get to a safe location as quickly as possible. If you are injured, call emergency services for assistance.
What can I do to help prevent stray bullets?
To help prevent stray bullets, it’s essential to ensure that all firearms are handled safely and responsibly. This includes storing firearms in a secure location, ensuring that the safety is on, and never pointing the gun at people or animals. Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions in areas where firearms are being discharged.
What is the best way to report a stray bullet incident?
If you witness a stray bullet incident, it’s crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities immediately. In the United States, you can contact your local police department or emergency services to report the incident. In other countries, you can contact your local authorities or emergency services.
