On May 20, 2023, at approximately 1 a.m., Dallas police responded to reports of a shooting on South Malcolm X Boulevard. Upon arrival, they discovered that 26-year-old Keerstin Cooper had been transported to a hospital by private vehicle after sustaining gunshot wounds. Tragically, Cooper succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.
Investigations revealed that prior to the shooting, Cooper was involved in a verbal altercation with 26-year-old Breaira Martin.
The dispute arose because Martin was upset over Cooper's past relationship with her current boyfriend, 27-year-old Gabriel Leuyas. During the confrontation, Martin allegedly instructed Leuyas to "smoke" Cooper. In response, Leuyas retrieved a semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and fired two shots through the windshield of Cooper's vehicle, striking her. A third individual then drove Cooper to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Authorities were able to identify Martin and Leuyas as the primary suspects through surveillance footage, gang records, social media, and police body camera footage, following an anonymous tip. Both individuals were subsequently arrested and charged with murder. Additionally, Leuyas faced a charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon, while Martin was charged with resisting arrest. At the time of their arrests, both were held in the Dallas County Jail.
