A 24-year-old man has been apprehended following a tragic incident in which a 7-year-old child was fatally shot in a Ferris home. Takievon Holmes was arrested after a young child gained access to a firearm, leading to the devastating accident.
Holmes now faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and tampering with physical evidence. Additional charges are currently being evaluated as the investigation continues. The relationship between Holmes and the victim has not been disclosed, and the identity of the deceased child remains confidential.
The shooting occurred around 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Shaw Creek area near Tidwell. According to reports from the Ferris Department of Public Safety, a very young child managed to access a firearm within the residence, resulting in the tragic shooting. After the incident, Holmes reportedly left the scene but was later taken into custody by authorities.
The Ferris Department of Public Safety is spearheading the ongoing investigation, collaborating with the Texas Rangers, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office. Officials have emphasized the necessity for secure firearm storage and the significance of preventing access to weapons by children.
City officials have expressed their condolences and highlighted the broader implications of such tragedies. Dr. Brooks Williams, the City Manager of Ferris, remarked, “This is an unimaginable tragedy, and when a child loses their life, the impact reaches far beyond one home or one street. Firearms must be secured, they must be kept away from children, and adults must understand that a moment of carelessness can create consequences that can never be undone.”
Local leaders have called upon residents to reflect on the importance of gun safety, making it clear that the secure storage of firearms is a critical responsibility for protecting children. In response to the incident, the city has offered chaplaincy services for first responders, affected families, and neighbors who have experienced trauma due to the event.
John DeLeon, the deputy city manager in charge of public safety, commended the first responders for their efforts in what he described as an “incredibly difficult scene.” He assured the community that investigators are dedicated to handling the case with care, focusing on the facts at hand.
Ferris is situated approximately 20 miles south of downtown Dallas.
