Dallas police said the two shootings happened hours apart but did not appear connected.
DALLAS, Texas — Dallas police shut down Deep Ellum early Wednesday after two shootings within blocks left a security guard dead and five other people wounded during a violent night in the entertainment district.
The fatal shooting killed Joseph Gray, 26, at La Tardeada on Elm Street. Police said 23-year-old Detorius Tarver was arrested at the scene and charged with murder. The violence began late Tuesday with a separate shooting near Commerce Street and Malcolm X Boulevard.
Officers first responded around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday after gunfire wounded five people. Police said three victims were found at the scene and two others later arrived at a hospital by private vehicle. All five were expected to survive. Investigators said the shooting may have started with an altercation, but some victims may have been bystanders caught in the gunfire.
About two hours later, officers were still working the first crime scene when witnesses reported another shooting nearby. Police said Gray was working security at La Tardeada when he tried to break up a fight involving Tarver. Investigators said Tarver shot Gray, who was taken to a hospital and died. Officers arrested Tarver at the club.
Gray’s sister, Christine Smith, said her brother had picked up the shift to earn extra money because his girlfriend is pregnant. Family and friends gathered outside the club with candles and flowers. “I know I’m the oldest, but he’s my little big brother,” Smith said. “It just hurts that he’s gone over gun violence.”
Police have not released a full account of what led to either shooting. In the first case, no arrest had been announced in the latest updates. In the second, Tarver faces a murder charge in Gray’s death. Investigators said they were still reviewing the events that unfolded inside and outside the club.
The shootings renewed questions about safety in Deep Ellum, one of Dallas’ busiest nightlife areas. Deep Ellum Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Keller Hudiburg said extra security officers were already in the district because of holiday crowds. She said more changes are needed, including a proposed permit rule for late-night venues.
Smith said her family wants answers about how the gun entered the club and why Gray was not better protected while working security. She said Gray was looking forward to fatherhood and was focused on supporting his family. “He cared about his family, and he was a hard worker,” she said.
Dallas police continued investigating both shootings Thursday. Tarver remained charged in Gray’s death, while detectives continued searching for the person who opened fire in the earlier shooting.
Author note: Last updated May 7, 2026.