Latasha Hymond: Texas Entrepreneur Shot Dead on Fourth of July
Latasha Hymond was streaming live on Facebook on the Fourth of July 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas, enjoying the festivities when things went awry.
According to law enforcement, gunfire broke out during a block party on Castleman Street in the city. Family members said Hymond, a 39-year-old makeup artist and business owner, was killed in the crossfire.
Her cousin, Pastor Felton Jenkins, found out in the morning about her death. "She is sweet. She is my angel," Jenkins told TV station KENS-5. "Every time we see each other, it's a hug, it's a kiss, it's a smile, dance, you name it. We are going to cheer each other up. She was loved by everybody."
Two more people were shot and will survive, according to police, who say they are looking for several suspects.
"Come on Fort Worth," said Pastor Jenkins continued. "This is real. Stop these block parties."
One woman told news cameras that gunshots are a common occurrence in the area.
"You grow up with it, you kind of get used to it," the teenager told the TV station.
Meanwhile, Hymond’s fiance, Tommy Howard told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Hymond as “the sweetest person on this earth” and one of the best makeup artists in Fort Worth.
Howard said it was Hymond who helped him grieve through the loss of a previous fiancee from cancer four years ago.
“Everybody loved her,” he said. “She was cheerful, she you know, she was just a good spirit. ... She actually was my savior.”
Hymond’s business, Slay by Shae, said in a statement, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved owner Latasha,” The business is temporarily closed.