Fort Worth, Texas — Tragedy struck a local Texas community when rapper Lil Ronnie and his 5-year-old daughter were killed during a shooting at a car wash in Fort Worth on Monday morning. Forest Hill police were called to the scene at Slappy’s Car Wash on Forest Hill Drive, just north of I-20, shortly before 11 a.m.
Stella Houston, mourning at the site, identified the victims as her nephew and his young daughter, who had just celebrated her fifth birthday the day prior. Known professionally as Lil Ronnie, the rapper was a recognized face in the Fort Worth music community. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene with what sounded like 20 to 30 gunshots erupting at the location.
Authorities described the suspects in the shooting as two Black males clothed in blue jeans and grey sweaters. According to the Forest Hill Police Department, the suspects drove up in a white, four-door Kia, accosted the victims while their vehicle was parked in a wash bay, opened fire, and then fled the area.
Following the incident, police have identified a suspect and issued a warrant for capital murder. As the investigation remains active, officials have withheld further details about the suspects at this time.
The aftermath of the shooting was captured in videos showing a heavily-marked crime scene and a substantial law enforcement turnout. Officers from multiple agencies, including Fort Worth, Everman, Mansfield, and the Forest Hill Police Departments, were on the ground, collaborating in the response and investigation.
Slappy’s Car Wash, the location of the devastating event, announced a temporary closure of two days to cooperate with law enforcement officials. The business released a statement expressing devastation and shock over the violent events, extending their thoughts to those affected.
This incident marks the fourth and fifth homicides in Forest Hill this year, an alarming rise compared to the previous year’s statistics, which recorded no such crimes. The recent increase in violence in the area includes a shooting at an auto sales business last month, resulting in two deaths and another incident where a 36-year-old woman was killed by stray bullets in her backyard.
The Texas Rangers have taken a leading role in the investigation, with support from the Forest Hill Criminal Division, Fort Worth Police Department, Everman Police Department, Kennedale Police Department, and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. This collaborative effort underscores the seriousness with which local law enforcement is addressing the recent spike in violent crime.
The community and law enforcement officials are calling for anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to aid in bringing justice to the victims and their families. As the investigation continues, the community remains in mourning, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to the increasing violence in the area.