A Fort Worth teenager has been arrested for allegedly fatally shooting a friend after a dispute over sharing french fries, a case that has left neighbors and the victim’s family grappling with disbelief.
Eighteen-year-old Lemarques Darden Jr. was taken into custody Monday in Tyler, Texas, nearly two weeks after the Jan. 28 incident, according to Fort Worth Police.
Authorities say Darden is charged with murder in connection with the death of 19-year-old Jarvis Davis, who succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head at Harris Methodist Hospital.
Investigators report that the confrontation erupted after a group of friends returned from Wingstop to an apartment on the 9500 block of Jeremiah Drive.
Davis reportedly declined to share his fries with Darden, sparking a verbal argument that escalated rapidly.
Witnesses told police that Darden drew a handgun and fired a single shot, striking Davis, before fleeing the apartment. Multiple residents, including children, observed the event, according to CBS News Texas.
“Everyone thought it was a joke at first,” said Sherika Kennedy, Davis’ mother. “My baby was not expecting him to shoot him. It’s just so senseless.”
Kennedy described her son as a loving brother, an uncle to three nieces, and a devoted friend whose loss has left a deep void in the family.
Surveillance and witness accounts have helped authorities reconstruct the night’s events, confirming the presence of Davis’ minor child and indicating no other weapons or threats were involved.
Police reports suggest the altercation was confined to the individuals present, with no broader risk to the community, according to the Republican Gazette.
Darden remains in custody at the Tarrant County Corrections Center, and no bond has been set.
Prosecutors have not released evidence suggesting motives beyond the dispute over the fries, nor any involvement of alcohol, drugs, or prior conflicts between the two teens.
The incident has heightened concern over youth gun violence in Fort Worth, especially when seemingly minor disagreements spiral into deadly outcomes.
Fox 4 News reported that neighbors described the apartment complex as a hub for families and friends, making the sudden violence all the more jarring.
Local officials have emphasized vigilance while reassuring the public that the threat appears limited to those directly involved.
Legal experts note that murder charges carry the possibility of life imprisonment in Texas.
The case will proceed through Tarrant County courts, where investigators are compiling statements and physical evidence for trial.
Authorities stress that due process remains central, even as the community mourns a young life cut tragically short.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding how a momentary disagreement escalated to lethal violence.
Davis’ mother has called for reflection on the fragility of life and the dangers posed by easy access to firearms, urging families and communities to remain aware of the risks inherent in even minor conflicts.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary interactions can turn fatal and highlights ongoing concerns about youth safety, firearm access, and the responsibility of parents and communities to intervene before disputes escalate.
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