Ferris DPS files murder-related charges

Ferris—The Ferris Department of Public Safety released the following information regarding a fatal shooting that occurred at Jerry Watson Memorial Park on Saturday, May 10. 

The deceased has been identified as Sir Robert Wesley Dixon, a 17-year-old male. Surveillance footage and witness accounts confirm that Mr. Dixon was shot in the neck by a juvenile suspect during a large-scale altercation involving juveniles and young adults. 

Following the initial shooting, an adult male retrieved a firearm that had previously been in Mr. Dixon’s possession and discharged multiple rounds in the direction of the juvenile believed to have fired the first shot.  

A second juvenile was struck and later treated at a nearby emergency clinic.  

A female juvenile with an outstanding warrant directly related to the incident was apprehended without incident on May 12. She was present at the scene and is believed to have provided the weapon to Mr. Dixon shortly before the shooting occurred. Investigators identified her as a suspect and anticipate filing charges under Texas Penal Code §7.02 – Criminal Responsibility for the Conduct of Another (Murder). Her role is considered central to the commission of the offense.  

The Ferris Department of Public Safety apprehended Julianna Jazzlean Pargas without incident in Lancaster on May 12. She was located at a family member’s home 

Pargas may face charges for Tampering with Physical Evidence, specifically involving a firearm used in the commission of the offense. This charge may rise to a State Jail Felony under Texas Penal Code §37.09. 

Donald Lofton Jr., 32-years-old, was taken into custody without incident in Waxahachie, Texas. 
Lofton has been charged with two offenses: Failure to Report a Felony, a Class A misdemeanor, and Tampering with Physical Evidence, a third-degree felony. He was transported to the Ellis County Jail following his arrest. 
A search warrant was executed at Mr. Lofton’s residence, and a second search warrant was executed on a vehicle he used to leave the scene of the homicide.  

Investigators also executed a separate search warrant on a vehicle that had been impounded since the day of the incident. That vehicle, registered to an 18-year-old female named LaSkie Chandler, was occupied at the time of the homicide by the juvenile murder suspect and multiple other individuals. The search of that vehicle led to the discovery of a firearm believed to be the possible murder weapon. The weapon is consistent with witness descriptions and is undergoing forensic analysis to confirm its connection to the fatal shooting. 
Mr. Lofton is related to both the victim, Sir Robert Wesley Dixon, and the 17-year-old suspect, Mister Donald Dwayne Dixon, who has already been charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in connection with this case. 

“We are following the facts and evidence wherever they lead, ensuring no stone is left unturned. That is our responsibility, and we take it seriously,” Brooks Williams, city manager of Ferris, said. “Our hearts still break for the loss this community has suffered. We remain as steadfast in our prayers as we are in our resolve to see this case through. Our prayers are with the families, the victims, the community, and all those impacted. No part of this is easy, and none of it is something any community should have to endure. We look forward to better days.” 

In addition to the primary suspects, other adults were present during the altercation. Some were observed physically participating, encouraging violence, or facilitating the conflict through actions or decisions that intensified the situation. These actions remain under active investigation. Any adult found to have encouraged, enabled, or contributed to the commission of this offense will be held accountable in accordance with Texas law. 

The Ferris Department of Public Safety’s surveillance system, active at Jerry Watson Memorial Park, captured the entire incident and has been instrumental in reconstructing the timeline and identifying those involved. The Department continues to work in partnership with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department and the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that every responsible party is brought to justice. 

“This has been a difficult moment for our community, but I am proud of the swift, professional work by our Department of Public Safety and the collaboration with our law enforcement partners,” Williams said. “We will continue to pursue truth with integrity and ensure that every responsible party is held to account.” 

The investigation remains open and active. As additional details emerge, further individuals may be charged if it is determined that they meet the elements of a criminal offense. 

Anyone with information regarding any other individuals present during the incident is urged to contact the Ferris Department of Public Safety immediately at 972-544-2225. 

Further updates will be shared as the investigation develops. 

SOURCE City of Ferris