Damion Hopkins, a 27-year-old man from Harker Heights, Texas, tragically lost his life on March 4, 2017. He was at the Empire Club in Harker Heights when an altercation occurred, leading to a shooting in the parking lot. Damion was one of two victims killed in the incident; the other victim was 42-year-old Dexter Prather from Waco. The suspect, a 29-year-old woman from Waco named Olishea Lashawn Smith, was later identified and arrested.
Smith turned herself in to the police days after a murder warrant was issued for her arrest.
The investigation revealed that Damion and Prather had gotten into an altercation while playing dice before the shooting occurred. Smith was convicted of the double murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison in December 2018. The Hopkins family has expressed their desire for justice and forgiveness, hoping that the suspect shows remorse for her actions.
Damion was remembered by his family as a loving and funny individual who was visiting his hometown to catch up with friends and family. His brother, Markeeis Hopkins, emphasized that Damion's legacy should not be defined by the tragic incident but by the person he was. The family continues to seek closure and justice for Damion's untimely death.
