Amarillo police on Monday identified victims and released additional information after a spate of deadly shootings Sunday morning around the community.
“The Amarillo Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the three separate shooting incidents that occurred on March 22, 2026,” a news release states. “We recognize the profound impact of these events on our community and remain committed to providing updates as information becomes available. We want to provide an update regarding the status of each incident and identify the victims who are deceased.”
At 3:15 a.m. in the 300 block of South Mississippi Street, officers were sent to the area of a house party where there was a shooting and found two people suffering from gunshot wounds. Amarillo police said officers are still “actively and aggressively following all leads” in searching for the possible suspect involved in this shooting.
Police have released the identities of three of the five citizens killed in the separate shootings.
2 killed in South Dallas incident
At 5:59 a.m., Amarillo officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of South Dallas on a domestic violence shooting. They encountered James Pena, 40, who was armed and wearing body armor, and he was taken into custody without further incident. Officers learned three family members were injured, and two people who had responded to the scene after hearing the gunfire were fatally shot outside of the residence. Pena faces capital murder charges.
Those who died in the shooting on South Dallas have been identified as Virgil Lee Thompson, 43, and Larry Jimenez, 44. Thompson and Jimenez were killed when they rushed to the area after hearing gunfire.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Thompson’s family: “Tragically, Lee lost his life on March 22, 2026, trying to protect his family during a PTSD-related incident. His bravery and selflessness were unmatched — he truly was a hero. Lee would help anyone in need, day or night, and he loved to brag about his children. He was the heart of our family, and his loss has left a void that can never be filled.”
Of the three other victims who were injured during the attack, one remained hospitalized Monday, according to police.
1 killed in Northwest 14th / Bonham incident
At 7:03 a.m., Amarillo officers went to a residence in the 1900 block of Northwest 14th Avenue for a reported disturbance, but the suspect, later identified as 41-year-old Dustin Johnson, had already left the scene. A short time later, Potter County deputies were alerted to an attempted robbery at a business near Loop 335 and North Western Street, where two people had been shot and killed. Johnson then evaded officers, returned to the residence on 14th, rammed his vehicle into the home and allegedly shot six people, one of whom died. Johnson then exchanged gunfire with officers and died at the scene.
The person killed in the shooting on Northwest 14th Avenue and Bonham has been identified as Teodora Garcia-Herrera, 53. All five of the other victims remain hospitalized Monday, police said.
The identities of those shot and killed at the business have not yet been officially released, but another GoFundMe was started to support their families.
If anyone has any information on this shooting or the two other shootings from Sunday morning, we ask that you call Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400. Or you can submit a tip online at amapolice.org. All tips are anonymous.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo police ID shooting victims, suspect still sought
Reporting by Kristina Wood and Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
