Survivor shot near Frisco Walmart shares story as police announce two arrests

Six months after a deadly shooting outside a Walmart in Frisco, police say those responsible are now behind bars.

Jhirrell Harris and Stephanie Gayden are both charged with capital murder. Harris also faces aggravated robbery and aggravated assault charges in connection to the shooting of a second man who survived.

Zachary Lowe, who was shot twice in the attack, shared his story of recovery with NBC 5.

“I had to rebuild my whole life basically,” said Lowe.

It’s a life he is grateful to have after a man shot him outside the Walmart on Preston Road and Main Street. A second man who was also shot, Dung Doan, did not survive.

“If it wasn't for him, I don't think I would be here today. I think that man 100% saved my life,” said Lowe.

The shooting happened on Nov. 15, 2023. Lowe told NBC 5 he was leaving work at Walmart when a man approached him and asked for a cigarette.

“I told him I didn't. He pulled out a pistol on me and he was just like, 'Give me everything you've got. I’m going to shoot you. I'm going to pop you,'” recalled Lowe.

Lowe said he handed over his wallet. Moments later, Lowe said Doan walked by and distracted the gunman.

“That's when I saw the opportunity to start running away and that's when I was struck twice in the back,” said Lowe.

Lowe said seconds later he heard two more shots. He learned later that Doan, a 62-year-old husband and father who recently emigrated from Vietnam, had been killed.

“I wish I didn't leave [work] at the time I did because if I didn't, none of that would've happened,” said Lowe.

Lowe spent about a month in the hospital before being discharged. While in the hospital, Lowe celebrated his 21st birthday.

“I feel pains in my body that I’ve never felt before just by waking up,” said Lowe.

After six months of pain, this week he got some relief.

“I'm glad that justice is finally being served,” said Lowe.

Frisco police announced the arrest of the alleged shooter, Jhirell Harris in Louisiana, and Stephanie Gayden in McKinney. An arrest affidavit indicated investigators believe she was in the getaway car which was registered in her name, according to the affidavit.

Police said it was an anonymous tip that led to the arrests.

“What goes around comes around,” said Lowe.

Lowe said he's had his gall bladder and appendix removed and that his liver and colon are damaged. He has a large scar down his stomach and said he has a hole in his pelvis. Bullet fragments are still in his body, Lowe said.

“He definitely changed my life in a worse way for who knows how long,” said Lowe. “But I am getting better every single day.”

Police said Harris will be transferred to the Collin County Jail from Louisiana where he was already in jail on unrelated charges.

An attorney for Gayden said quote, "We are still doing our preliminary investigation but all the information is that Ms. Gayden is not the alleged shooter in the case."