A series of shootings across Amarillo early Sunday morning left six people dead, ten others injured, and authorities investigating a string of violent incidents that unfolded over several hours.
According to the Amarillo Police Department, three separate shootings occurred between approximately 3:15 a.m. and after 8:00 a.m. on March 22. The incidents, which spanned multiple locations, prompted the activation of the city’s Emergency Operations Center and a coordinated response from local and state law enforcement agencies.
The first shooting took place around 3:15 a.m. in the 300 block of South Mississippi Street. Officers responded to reports of gunfire at a residence where a house party involving about 15 people was underway. During the gathering, an adult male displayed an AR-15-style rifle and was asked to leave the home.
As he exited, investigators say the suspect turned back toward the residence and fired multiple rounds into the house, striking two individuals. Both victims were transported to local hospitals and are receiving medical treatment. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived and remains at large. Authorities have not released his identity as the investigation continues.
A second shooting occurred at approximately 5:59 a.m. in the 2900 block of South Dallas Street. Amarillo police, along with Randall County deputies, responded to a domestic violence call and encountered 40-year-old James Pena, who was armed with a rifle and a handgun and wearing body armor.
Investigators determined that Pena armed himself during the night before becoming involved in a violent altercation inside the home. Gunfire during the incident left three family members injured. Pena then exited the residence and continued firing into the home, causing additional injuries.
Two individuals who arrived at the scene after hearing gunfire were shot and killed outside the residence. Pena was taken into custody without further incident and later booked into the Randall County Jail on capital murder charges. The injured victims were transported to local hospitals, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The third and most extensive incident began shortly after 7:00 a.m. and involved multiple locations. Police initially responded to a disturbance call in the 1900 block of Northwest 14th Avenue, though no crime was immediately reported at that time.
At approximately 7:36 a.m., deputies with the Potter County Sheriff’s Office responded to an attempted robbery at a business near Loop 335 and North Western Street. Authorities say 41-year-old Dustin Johnson forced his way into the business, where a person inside fought back and injured him. Johnson briefly left the scene but returned moments later.
During the confrontation, Johnson shot and killed two people at the business before fleeing in a pickup truck. Law enforcement pursued the suspect, but he was able to evade capture.
Authorities say Johnson then returned to the Northwest 14th Avenue location, where he drove his vehicle into a residence before opening fire inside the home. One person was killed, and six others were injured in the attack.
Officers responding to the scene encountered Johnson outside the residence, armed with a rifle and wearing body armor. After commands were given for him to surrender, Johnson fired at officers. Police returned fire, striking him multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
Across all three incidents, five victims were killed, in addition to the suspect who was shot by police, bringing the total number of fatalities to six. Ten individuals were injured and are receiving medical care. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
Officials say all three cases remain active investigations. Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols in response to the violence and are working together to process evidence and determine the full sequence of events.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—particularly related to the suspect in the Mississippi Street shooting—to come forward as investigators continue their work.
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