In the predawn hours of April 20, 2025, a senseless tragedy unfolded in West Dallas, leaving a young woman’s life extinguished and a community grappling with grief. Maurisha Givens, just 24 years old, was found suffering from a gunshot wound in the 5800 block of Bernal Drive, a quiet residential area now marked by the weight of her loss. Dallas Police officers arrived at the scene shortly before 2 a.m. after receiving a shooting call, but despite the swift response of Dallas Fire-Rescue, Givens could not be saved. She was pronounced dead at the scene, her life cut short in an act of violence that has yet to be fully explained.
The Dallas Police Department has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Givens’ death, but details remain scarce. Authorities have not released information about a suspect or a possible motive, leaving residents and loved ones searching for answers. The investigation, documented under case number 055197-2025, is being led by Detective L. Swanson, who has urged the public to come forward with any information that could shed light on the incident. Tips can be shared directly with the detective or anonymously through Crime Stoppers, which offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment.
Givens’ death occurred on Easter Sunday, a day typically associated with renewal and hope, which only deepens the tragedy for those who knew her. While little has been shared publicly about her life, the loss of a 24-year-old in such a violent manner resonates as a stark reminder of the toll gun violence continues to take in Dallas. The 5800 block of Bernal Drive, located in a working-class neighborhood near Singleton Boulevard, is not unfamiliar with crime, but the brazen nature of this shooting has left residents shaken. Neighbors described the early morning hours as typically quiet, making the sound of gunfire all the more jarring.
The Dallas Police Department’s homicide unit is working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Investigators are canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage that might provide clues. The lack of immediate information about a suspect suggests the shooter may have fled the scene before police arrived, a detail that complicates the early stages of the investigation. Authorities are hopeful that community members will step forward with information, no matter how small, to help bring justice for Givens and her family.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of violence in Dallas, where homicides have been a persistent challenge for law enforcement and community leaders. In recent weeks, the city has seen other high-profile shootings, including cases involving domestic disputes and targeted attacks, though no connection to Givens’ death has been established. The Dallas Police Department has emphasized its commitment to reducing violent crime, with ongoing efforts to strengthen community partnerships and increase patrols in high-risk areas. Yet, for the family and friends of Maurisha Givens, these efforts come too late.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring Givens’ memory by seeking justice. The public is encouraged to contact Detective L. Swanson at 469-934-5776 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 214-373-8477 with any information. For now, a young woman’s life has been lost, and a community waits for answers, hoping to find meaning in the wake of tragedy.