The first shooting killed Elijah Mayo, whose father disputes the police account.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth police were investigating two deadly officer-involved shootings that began at the same location overnight, including the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Elijah Mayo after gunfire near a neighborhood party.
Police Chief Eddie Garcia said officers shot Mayo after finding him armed with a handgun and after he allegedly pointed it toward officers while ignoring commands. Mayo’s father, Emmitt Mayo, said his son had gone to the party to perform as Eastwood Dub and was trying to get away when officers arrived.
Emmitt Mayo said his son had not performed before trouble broke out. He said Elijah Mayo asked about payment connected to his show and flyer after learning there had been a shooting at the party. “So he asked the guy, could I still get my money right for his show and his flyer?” Mayo said. He said an altercation followed and that police fired first.
Garcia said officers gave commands before opening fire. Police have not publicly released the full sequence of shots, the number of officers who fired or whether any officer was hurt. Neighbor Carolyn Green said the shooting happened in her front yard. She said she saw Mayo on the ground as an ambulance arrived and realized he had died.
The night turned more violent while officers were still at the scene. Garcia said a driver sped past investigators and tried to hit officers. Police pursued the vehicle onto Interstate 820 and used a PIT maneuver to stop it. Garcia said officers then opened fire after the driver ignored commands and grabbed an officer’s handgun. That driver died at the scene and had not been identified.
The two deaths left investigators with separate but overlapping scenes: the party location where Mayo was shot and the highway stop where the second driver was killed. Police have not said whether the second driver had any connection to Mayo, the party or the earlier gunfire. The department also has not announced when video or more detailed reports may be released.
Emmitt Mayo said he is still trying to understand the final minutes of his son’s life. Police said the investigation is continuing and have not announced charges or disciplinary findings.
Author note: Last updated May 17, 2026.