Dallas police are investigating the fatal shooting of 28‑year‑old Erick Artea Lerma, who was killed on March 31, 2026, in West Dallas. Officers were dispatched around 7:30 p.m. to the 4400 block of the Dallas Fort Worth Service Turnpike, just off Interstate 30, after multiple reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found Lerma suffering from a gunshot wound, and Dallas Fire‑Rescue pronounced him dead at the scene.
According to the preliminary investigation, police determined that Lerma had been shot by 32‑year‑old Anthony Rios Rivera, who fled the scene before officers arrived. Witnesses in the area reported seeing a vehicle leaving quickly, and investigators began canvassing nearby businesses and residences for surveillance footage that could help identify the suspect’s movements. The shooting occurred near a shopping area in West Dallas, adding urgency to the search as officers worked to secure the scene.
Detectives continued gathering evidence through the night, documenting shell casings and interviewing individuals who were in the vicinity at the time of the shooting. The location, a busy service road along I‑30, is known for steady traffic, and investigators hoped that dash‑camera footage or business surveillance systems might provide additional leads. Police emphasized that the shooting appeared targeted, though they did not immediately release details about a possible motive.
Later that evening, officers located Rivera and took him into custody. According to Dallas police, Rivera was arrested without incident and transported to the Dallas County jail. He now faces a murder charge, and the case has been assigned to homicide detectives for continued investigation. Authorities have not released further information about the relationship between Rivera and Lerma or what may have led to the deadly encounter.
The Dallas Police Department noted that the investigation remains active, with detectives reviewing evidence and awaiting additional witness statements. They have encouraged anyone with information to contact the department, referencing case number 045733‑2026. Police say they are working to determine the full sequence of events that unfolded along the service turnpike that evening.
Lerma’s death has added to concerns about gun violence in West Dallas, where residents have expressed frustration over recent incidents in the area. As the investigation continues, community members are hoping for clarity and justice for the 28‑year‑old victim. For now, the 4400 block of the Dallas Fort Worth Service Turnpike stands as the center of a homicide case that has left a family grieving and a neighborhood seeking answers.
