Dallas Teens Charged in Double Murder as One Suspect Is Also Accused in Innocent Woman’s Killing

Two teenagers are now facing murder charges after Dallas police linked them to a deadly double homicide that happened earlier this year. Investigators also say one of the suspects is responsible for a separate shooting that killed an innocent woman who was caught in the middle of gunfire.

Dallas police announced that 17-year-old Erving Estrada and 18-year-old Latavien Clark were arrested on June 24 with assistance from the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force. Both are being held in the Dallas County Jail without bond on charges stemming from a double homicide that occurred on the night of March 15.

According to investigators, officers responded around 9:45 p.m. to an apartment complex in the 12100 block of Audelia Road in Far North Dallas after reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found 21-year-old Madreus Ward and 20-year-old Ethan Dillard inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

During the investigation, detectives interviewed witnesses who said Estrada, known by the nickname “Bando,” and Clark, known as “Gen5,” had been inside the victims’ vehicle before the shooting. Witnesses also told police the two suspects were frequently seen around the apartment complex where the killings occurred.

Police later recovered fingerprints from the victims’ vehicle that investigators say matched both Estrada and Clark, providing key evidence that ultimately led to their arrests. Authorities have not publicly released a motive for the March double homicide.

Estrada is also charged in the June 16 murder of 35-year-old Ronnika Davenport, who investigators say was an innocent bystander. Police responded to the 9800 block of Walnut Street after reports of gunfire and found Davenport suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Investigators say witnesses told them the intended target of the shooting had mocked one of Estrada’s deceased friends on social media. During the exchange of gunfire, Davenport was struck even though she was not involved in the dispute. Detectives identified Estrada after linking him to a white Dodge Charger seen in photographs from the scene.

When Estrada was arrested on June 24, police recovered a handgun they say matched shell casings found at the Walnut Street homicide scene. Ballistics testing also linked that same firearm to another shooting that occurred on March 13, leading investigators to believe Estrada was involved in that incident as well.

Neighbors who lived near the Walnut Street shooting described hearing multiple gunshots and seeing young people running through the area. Residents said the neighborhood had become increasingly violent after previously improving with gang enforcement efforts, and many expressed fear about going outside after dark.

Following the arrests, Davenport’s family released a statement remembering her as a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose life touched countless people. They also questioned the police response earlier that evening, saying officers had responded to reports that her home had been struck by gunfire before she was later killed. Dallas police acknowledged the concerns but said they could not comment further because the investigation remains active.

Both murder investigations remain ongoing as detectives continue examining possible connections to additional shootings.