Dallas woman charged with capital murder in teen's death

Sariyah Sanford Griffin, 18, accused of fatally shooting 13-year-old Marcus Reeves Jr.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the tragic aftermath of a shooting incident.A single spent bullet casing, a stark reminder of the tragic loss of a young life and the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Dallas.Dallas Today

An 18-year-old Dallas woman has been arrested and charged with capital murder in the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy earlier this month. Police say Sariyah Sanford Griffin shot and killed Marcus Reeves Jr. on March 11 in the Pin Tail Court neighborhood of Dallas.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Dallas community and raised concerns about gun violence involving young people. The capital murder charge against Griffin underscores the severity of the alleged crime and the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of youth violence in the city.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred on March 11 just before 11 p.m. along Pin Tail Court, near South Hampton Road and I-20. Officers found the victim, Marcus Reeves Jr., and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he died several days later from his injuries. U.S. Marshals arrested Sariyah Sanford Griffin, 18, on Monday, and she is now charged with capital murder.

  • The shooting occurred on March 11, 2026 just before 11 p.m.
  • Marcus Reeves Jr. died several days later from his injuries.
  • Sariyah Sanford Griffin was arrested by U.S. Marshals on April 6, 2026.

The players

Sariyah Sanford Griffin

An 18-year-old Dallas resident who has been charged with capital murder in the shooting death of 13-year-old Marcus Reeves Jr.

Marcus Reeves Jr.

A 13-year-old boy who was fatally shot in Dallas on March 11, 2026.

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What’s next

The case against Sariyah Sanford Griffin will now proceed through the criminal justice system, with a trial date likely to be set in the coming months.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges Dallas faces in addressing gun violence and protecting its young people. Community leaders and law enforcement will need to continue working together to find solutions and prevent such senseless acts of violence.