DALLAS, Texas — A wave of sorrow has swept through South Dallas following the tragic shooting death of Jonathan Freeman, affectionately known as “Mr. Jay,” a beloved business owner and mentor. Freeman was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon, July 1, 2025, inside his cookie shop located at The Shops at RedBird. The shooting happened around 4 p.m. and has left the local community devastated.
Dallas police said they responded to a shooting call in the 3600 block of West Camp Wisdom Road, where they discovered Freeman with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Dallas Fire-Rescue. Witnesses reported that a female customer entered the shop, argued with Freeman, then jumped the counter and shot him twice before fleeing in a white SUV.
The incident led to an immediate lockdown of The Shops at RedBird and the Dallas College Workforce Center, which is also located within the shopping center. All students and staff were accounted for, and classes were canceled for the rest of the day. Police later arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting, though her identity and the charges have not yet been made public.
Freeman was more than just a shop owner—he was a mentor, friend, and source of encouragement for many in the South Dallas area. Known for his positive attitude and generous spirit, Freeman helped guide young entrepreneurs and creatives, often offering advice and support without hesitation. His impact was deeply personal to many, including mentee Brandon Denson, who posted a heartfelt tribute describing Mr. Jay as “a mentor whose wisdom and humor shaped my life and my children’s.”
The cookie shop Freeman ran had become a symbol of local pride within the revitalized Shops at RedBird, a development aimed at boosting small businesses and community engagement. Freeman’s store wasn’t just a place for sweet treats — it was a space filled with warmth, laughter, and inspiration. His death marks a painful loss for the neighborhood he helped uplift.
The Dallas Police Department is still investigating the motive behind the shooting and is asking anyone with information or video footage to come forward. As the investigation continues, the community is left mourning the sudden loss of a man who made a lasting difference. Mr. Jay’s legacy of kindness, mentorship, and creativity will live on in the lives he touched.