Police said an argument involving relatives escalated into a physical confrontation before firearms were drawn early Wednesday.
MESQUITE, Texas — Two 18-year-old men died and a 20-year-old man was wounded early Wednesday after a family dispute in Mesquite escalated into a physical fight and gunfire, police said.
Mesquite police responded at about 12:07 a.m. Oct. 14 to the 2200 block of Amber Springs Drive. Officers found the two 18-year-olds in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately began lifesaving measures, including CPR. Both were taken to Baylor Hospital, where they later died from their injuries.
A 20-year-old man arrived separately at a local emergency room with gunshot wounds. Investigators believe he was involved in the same incident. Police said his injuries were not considered life-threatening and that he was being transferred to a Dallas-area hospital for further treatment.
Investigators said the confrontation grew out of a dispute involving family members. Mesquite Police Lt. Michael Kelly said the initial argument was apparently about a child’s haircut before the situation escalated and guns were drawn. Police said people involved in the broader dispute included relatives, in-laws, family friends and a godparent.
Police have not released the names of the two men who died. Authorities said the two were close but were not related by blood. Investigators also have not publicly identified the wounded 20-year-old.
The shooting was initially reported as having occurred in the 2800 block of Clearwater Drive. As investigators worked through the scene and circumstances, police determined that the gunfire actually occurred in the 2200 block of Amber Springs Drive.
The case remained unresolved Thursday. Police had not announced any arrests, and investigators had not publicly identified who fired during the confrontation. Authorities also had not released details about how many firearms were involved or the complete sequence of events before the shooting.
Kelly said investigators were working to determine who discharged a firearm and whether the actions of anyone involved would lead to criminal charges. Police said additional information would be released as the investigation develops.
Author note: Last updated October 15, 2026.