On April 23, 2026, at approximately 1:20 p.m., Dallas Police responded to a shooting call in the 1700 block of Hemphill Drive. The preliminary investigation determined that a two-year-old child had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. The child was taken to a local hospital and later died.
The main individual of interest, 25-year-old Toderick Austin, fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival. Due to the heinous nature of the case, DPD’s Child Abuse Unit coordinated with the Violent Crimes, Safer Streets, and Fugitive Task Force units to conduct the investigation for the sole purpose of locating and apprehending Austin.
Tremendous investigative efforts into Austin’s social media accounts led to a break in the case. An additional individual, later identified as 18-year-old Jayveion Burnley, was discovered to be a known associate of Austin. Once his location was ascertained, a search warrant was executed, and both Austin and Burnley were taken into custody.
In addition to the arrests, several firearms and illegal narcotics were recovered from the location.
“This was a tremendously heartbreaking case that deeply affected the community of Dallas,” said Chief Daniel Comeaux. “I’m incredibly thankful that this department was not only able to bring justice and closure to this incident but also make our streets safer by recovering firearms that were sure to be used in future crimes. I could not be prouder of the officers and their work on this case.”
Austin is being charged with multiple offenses, including Make Firearm Accessible to Child – Death/SBI and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Burnley is being charged with Possession of Prohibited Weapons.
These ongoing investigations are documented under case numbers 057714-2026 and 060544-2026.