On October 17, 2024, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Dallas police responded to a shooting call in the 2700 block of Second Avenue, near Highway 352 and South Second Avenue, behind the Dallas International Street Church. Upon arrival, officers discovered 32-year-old Mercedes Taylor lying in a field with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the shoulder. She was promptly transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Witnesses at the scene provided crucial information leading to the identification of 21-year-old Damarquis Green as the suspect. One witness reported observing Green shoot Taylor, causing her to fall to the ground, while another mentioned that Taylor had kicked Green before the shooting occurred. When officers arrived, they found Green still at the scene, with a handgun visibly tucked into his front waistband. An officer reported that Green admitted to the shooting, stating, "I shot her."
Green was immediately arrested and charged with murder. In addition to the murder charge, he faced charges of drug possession and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was booked into the Dallas County Jail with bonds totaling $501,500.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities have not disclosed whether Taylor and Green had a prior relationship. The investigation is ongoing, and police have urged anyone with additional information to contact Detective Emmanuel Romano at 214-671-4096 or via email at [email protected].
Mercedes Taylor was remembered by friends from the Dallas International Street Church for her infectious personality and willingness to help others. Pastor Karen Dudley and other community members expressed their grief over the loss of Taylor, who had been a vibrant part of their congregation.
