Dallas police are asking for the public’s help to find the gunman who shot and killed a man early Friday morning in Oak Cliff.
Neighbors and police said the victim was out walking his dog with his wife when shots rang out.
“I heard gunshots,” neighbor Melinda Mendoza said. “Loud. Pow, pow, pow, pow, pow.”
A nearby home surveillance camera captured audio of nine gunshots at 7:34 a.m.
Police found the victim, identified by the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office as James Faith, on the street. The 49-year-old had been shot multiple times near his house on South Waverly Drive, according to police.
“I hear the woman screaming for her life. It sounded terrible,” Mendoza said. “It sounded like a movie. I see their dog moving, big ol’ pretty dog took off running so I knew it was my neighbors.”
On Saturday, Dallas police released a photo of a black Nissan pickup that the shooter is thought to have gotten into. The truck had what appeared to be a Texas Rangers decal on the rear window.
Faith and his wife are described as incredibly friendly by many neighbors.
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They were known for walking their dog every morning, greeting everyone along the way.
A motive was not known, but Dallas police did not rule out a possible robbery attempt.
“It’s just a horrific crime that someone would just come out here and just execute this victim here,” Dallas police Sgt. Warren Mitchell said. “We’re just hoping we can find some answers soon.”
Mendoza insisted her neighbors had no known enemies.
“For this to happen to them, it can’t be because they were doing something wrong. They did no wrong,” she said.
Detectives spent the morning canvassing the area for any home surveillance video and speaking to neighbors, hoping to make sense of it all.
“My heart breaks for [victim’s wife], you know,” Mendoza said. “It’s just sad.”
Friday night American Airlines confirmed Faith had worked for them. The company released a statement:
“American Airlines is deeply saddened by the death of James Faith, a director in our technology organization. We are taking care of James’ family and colleagues and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”
The shooting marked the city's 173rd homicide in 2020.
Dallas police urged anyone with information on this shooting to call 911. They can also call Detective Christopher Walton at 214-671-3632 or email christopher.walton@dpd.ci.dallas.tx.us.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest and indictment. Tips may be made by calling 214-373-8477.
This incident is reported on case number 179853-2020.
