Ikea Imari Hood: 'Vibrant and hardworking' Texas teen shot dead 3 weeks after giving birth, probe underway
DALLAS, TEXAS: Ikea Imari Hood, 17, was shot and killed early on Sunday in a Southeast Oak Cliff residence. Hood passed away at the scene of the shooting on Grambling Drive at 10:40 am according to the police.
By the time investigators arrived, the suspect had reportedly left the scene. Trevon Darnell Wright, 17, is wanted for murder, according to a warrant that police announced on Monday.
The incident has not been clarified by the police.
Ikea Hood touched many lives through her dance skills
Hood participated in the Tigerette Drill Team at Lancaster High School. People we spoke with described Hood as a shining star who touched many lives through dancing.
"I was absolutely devastated. I was in disbelief," Nyree Preston, the director of Next Level Community Dance Group, said. Hood participated in group dances as well as school dances.
"Ikea was really like a dance daughter to me," said Preston. "Ikea started my program in 2019. She was vibrant, just a radiant smile. She was always laughing, but most of all she was a hard worker. She was always trying to learn the new dance deals, what was needed."
On Sunday evening, the school notified parents about the shooting through a letter.
"I understand that this is extremely difficult news to learn about upon our return to campus from winter break," said a portion of the letter. "On behalf of Lancaster High School and the entire Lancaster ISD community, we extend our deepest sympathy to the student's family and friends at this difficult time."
Additional counselors will be stationed at Lancaster High for "as long as they are needed" to support staff and students in coping with the loss. Nyree Preston had a message for the other students at Lancaster High School who were Ikea Hood's peers in dance.
"Let's keep Ikea's memory, baby Iceland, definitely in our hearts and her family. Let's just stay connected together as a community," she stated, as per Sports Keeda.
Dallas Police is searching for suspect
The Dallas Police Department stated in a press release, “The suspect left the location. DFR responded and the victim died at the scene. This remains an ongoing investigation that will be documented under case number 003614-2024.”
In a press release, police asked anyone with information regarding the shooting to get in touch with Detective Andrew Knoebel at 469-849-3755 or andrew.knoebel@dallaspolice.gov while they carried out their search for Trevon Darnell Wright.
