Amazi Aplon’s grandmother remembered him as a loving child while Dallas police continued investigating who fired the fatal shot.
DALLAS, Texas — The family of 3-year-old Amazi Aplon is mourning the child remembered for his smile and affectionate nature as Dallas police investigate the shooting that killed him early Sunday at a South Oak Cliff apartment complex.
Aplon was found with a gunshot wound after officers responded around 1 a.m. to the Oakwood Place Apartments on Wadsworth Drive. Police began lifesaving measures before paramedics arrived, and Dallas Fire-Rescue transported the boy to a hospital. He died shortly after arriving. The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office identified him Monday.
Aplon’s grandmother, Felicia Kirvin, told CBS Texas that the boy, whom the family called Mazi, was loving, respectful and kind. She said the family is struggling with the sudden loss and preparing to bury a child whose life had only begun. Her comments offered one of the first public glimpses of the boy behind an investigation that remains largely unresolved.
Neighbors also described a chaotic and frightening scene early Sunday. Some said they heard cries for help and saw the child and his mother in the apartment complex parking lot before calling 911. Neighbor Aundra Skinner said hearing that a young child had been shot left her frightened. Police have not released a complete account of what happened before the emergency calls.
Another neighbor, Bernard William Shabad, expressed sadness over the child’s death and frustration about gun violence in the area. His reaction reflected the shock among residents of the South Oak Cliff complex as police worked through the weekend to determine how the shooting occurred.
Investigators have not said who fired the weapon. Police said Child Protective Services was contacted and Aplon’s mother was taken in for questioning, but authorities have not announced any charges or identified her or anyone else as a suspect. Being questioned by investigators does not by itself indicate criminal wrongdoing.
Officials also have not publicly characterized the shooting as accidental or intentional. Information about the firearm, how it was obtained and who was present when it discharged has not been released. Those unanswered questions remain central to the investigation as Aplon’s relatives wait for an explanation of how the 3-year-old was killed.
The shooting took place along Wadsworth Drive in South Oak Cliff, near Loop 12 and Interstate 45. Investigators continued working Monday to reconstruct the events surrounding Aplon’s death while his family and neighbors focused on a child whose death has shaken the apartment community.
No arrest or criminal charge had been announced as of Monday. Dallas police said the investigation remains active, and authorities have not said when additional findings about the shooting may be released.
Author note: Last updated October 12, 2026.