Dallas, TX
Paul Quinn classmates remember Dallas police officer Darron Burks: “Couldn’t find a flaw”
DALLAS — Days after Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks was shot and killed while on patrol, the vast community of those who knew and loved him was still in shock.
As many as a hundred people gathered Sunday at the South Central Police District along Camp Wisdom Road in Dallas to share fond memories of the beloved classmate, teammate and friend.
Following nearly two decades as an educator, Burks shifted his career to focus on the community in another civic-minded career. When he was killed, he’d spent just eight months as a police officer for the Dallas Police Department.
While a steady stream of people laid flowers, balloons, flags and other memorabilia to remember the fallen officer, the group gathered in front of the memorial promptly at 4:04 p.m., representing his membership within the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., to remember the fallen officer.
Burks joined the organization as a student at Paul Quinn College and his longtime friends said he always moved with character and integrity.
“What a lot of y’all don’t know is that he was a righteous person all the way. Everything he tried to do in life was right. He lived his life right. He served his community right. When he taught students in the classroom in the educational career field that he chose. He did that right,” said Ken Frazier, fraternity brother and friend for more than 20 years.
While Burks made his mark in the classroom for nearly two decades as an educator, few were surprised when he became a police officer
“That was the career field that he chose to do, serving and protecting others who could not protect themselves, serving people who were less fortunate, the underprivileged. No matter what your socioeconomic background may have been, Burks was that type of person who would fill that gap and say, ‘Hey, if you need a helping hand, I’m here to give it all free to you,’” Frazier said.
Grief and disbelief still hung in the air as people cried, prayed and laughed through more tears. However, the community of supporters and a group of friends who’d become more like family vowed to remember Burks for the purposeful life he’d lived, rather than the tragic manner in which he died.
“I wish more people could be like him, including myself. Right. Some attributes of his life and his character. It gives us something, you know, gives us all something to strive for,” said Chastity Colomb.
A couple that knew Burks from his time at Paul Quinn College wanted their young daughter to see and hear the legacy that he left.
Former football teammate Billy Walker laughed with tears in his eyes as he remembered their college days.
“You couldn’t find a flaw [and] He’s definitely going to be missed, especially by me,” he said.
His wife De’Andrea Walker Lacy, also a classmate at Paul Quinn, grasped their daughter’s hand as they looked over the memorial.
“I just let her know that those are the type of people in life that you want to meet and those are the type of people in life that you can take advice from. You can learn from a person like Officer Burks,” she said.
A celebration of life service is planned for September 7 at Watermark Church in Dallas.
Dallas, TX
Fatal crash on LBJ Freeway in Dallas leaves 1 dead, multiple people hospitalized, police say
One person has died and several others are injured after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 635 in Dallas on Saturday.
Police were called to the 11100 block of westbound LBJ Freeway just before 6:30 p.m. for a major accident. Investigators discovered that a blue sedan heading west on I-635 moved to exit from the second from the left lane. It first hit the concrete barrier and traffic attenuator, or crash cushion. The sedan was then hit by a white pickup truck and a semi truck, police said. The sedan then caught on fire.
One passenger in the blue sedan died on the scene and another was ejected. The driver of the sedan and the ejected passenger were both taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The driver and two passengers in the pickup truck were also taken to the hospital. Their conditions are unknown.
Dallas police said the investigation is ongoing.
The family of 38‑year‑old Marisol Perez and her 18‑month‑old son, Erik Jr., is sharing their grief after the two were killed in Thursday’s apartment explosion and fire in Dallas’ Oak Cliff.
The blast at the Clyde Apartments also claimed the life of community activist and Democratic Party precinct chair Sylvia Collins. Five others were injured.
Marisol’s sisters describe her as a devoted mother and a deeply loving person.
“She was a dedicated mom and a good person… she had a good heart and wonderful intentions,” said Maria Lopez, Marisol’s sister.
Family members rushed to the scene after receiving a call from police, hoping Marisol and her children had made it out safely.
“They told me they couldn’t find my sister and her baby. It was devastating,” Lopez said.
Daughter rescued from rubble
Marisol’s 9‑year‑old daughter, Vanessa, was pulled from the rubble by a good Samaritan moments after the explosion. She turns 10 on Monday.
“We don’t have any words to thank him. We are so grateful,” Lopez said.
“He risked his life. Anything could have happened when he ran across the street to get her,” said sister Nora Carmona.
A close-knit family grieving
Marisol was one of four sisters, all of whom said they shared a tight bond.
“We called her Mari… or güera,” Lopez said.
“Every special occasion, she wanted me to do her makeup and hair. We’d laugh and bond. I miss it so much,” said sister Rosalinda Martinez.
The family says they are now focused on supporting Marisol’s husband, who was at work when the explosion happened.
“He wants justice. He knows this was not just a tragic accident. There have to be answers,” Carmona said.
Vigil planned for Sunday
The family is inviting the public to a vigil in honor of Marisol and Erik Jr. The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday.
A GoFundMe has also been created to help with funeral expenses.
H-E-B is one step closer to opening its first location in the city of Dallas.
The grocery chain filed a construction permit for the store at 635 and Hillcrest Road on Wednesday.
According to the permit, construction is set to begin in March 2027. The store is projected to open in September 2028.
When plans for the location were first announced last year, some neighbors raised concerns about the development. Those concerns included increased traffic, noise pollution and crime.
A primary concern is congestion in an already high-traffic area. H-E-B says it plans to add turn lanes and make other upgrades to ease congestion, but neighbors still have concerns.
When the zoning request was still being considered in December 2025, some drew comparisons between the abundance of grocery stores in northern Dallas to the long fight to bring more grocers to food deserts in southern Dallas. The rezoning request passed 14-1.
In a statement, H-E-B wrote: “We appreciate the thoughtful consideration from city officials, staff, and community members throughout this process. We are committed to serving Texans and look forward to bringing our first H-E-B store to the city of Dallas.”
Benjamin Scott, Group Vice President of Real Estate and Shopping Center Development for H-E-B said the new store will bring 800 new jobs and an estimated $24 million in tax revenue to Dallas over the next five years.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.
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