Tragic Shooting in Mesquite Leaves One Teenager Dead and Another Hospitalized
Jul. 28, 2025
Updated Jul. 29, 2025 at 3:41 p.m. CDT
Update:
3:41 p.m. July 29, 2025: This story updated with the name of the deceased teenager.
Incident Overview
Authorities are investigating after a shooting early Monday in Mesquite left one teenager dead and another hospitalized, police said.
Police were called about 12:51 a.m. to a house in the 1500 block of Rusk Drive, where an adult reported hearing gunshots in a bedroom, Lt. Michael Kelly, a police spokesperson, said in a news release.
The teenagers, ages 15 and 16, were in the bedroom. The adult entered the room to find they both had gunshot wounds, the release says.
The teenagers were transported to a hospital. The 16-year-old, later identified by family and the medical examiner as Damon Jay McGee, was pronounced dead. The 15-year-old remained hospitalized Monday afternoon in critical condition, the release says.
Investigation and Response
The circumstances leading up to the shooting were the subject of an investigation by police, the release says.
The shooting appeared to be “isolated to the individuals involved,” and there was no threat to the public, police said.
The 16-year-old, whose identity was not publicly disclosed by police, lived at the Rusk Drive home, according to the release.
Public Safety and Awareness
Crime in The News
Staff writer Kathleen Ortiz contributed to this report.
Conclusion
The tragic shooting in Mesquite has left the community in shock and has raised concerns about public safety and the well-being of teenagers. As the investigation continues, it is essential to remember the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for open and honest discussions about mental health and relationships.
The incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the need for collective efforts to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. It is crucial for parents, educators, and community leaders to work together to provide support and resources for teenagers and to promote a culture of safety, respect, and empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in the shooting incident in Mesquite?
A: A shooting early Monday in Mesquite left one teenager dead and another hospitalized. The incident occurred at a house in the 1500 block of Rusk Drive, where an adult reported hearing gunshots in a bedroom.
Q: Who were the victims of the shooting?
A: The victims were two teenagers, ages 15 and 16. The 16-year-old, later identified as Damon Jay McGee, was pronounced dead, while the 15-year-old remained hospitalized in critical condition.
Q: Is the incident still under investigation?
A: Yes, the circumstances leading up to the shooting are still being investigated by police.
Q: Was there a threat to the public?
A: No, according to police, the shooting appeared to be “isolated to the individuals involved,” and there was no threat to the public.
Q: What can be done to prevent such incidents in the future?
A: It is essential to promote responsible gun ownership, open and honest discussions about mental health and relationships, and collective efforts to provide support and resources for teenagers and to promote a culture of safety, respect, and empathy.
