In Dallas, Texas, police have charged two teenagers with capital murder after a tragic incident involving the shooting of a CVS security guard during an alleged shoplifting attempt.

The suspects, aged 13 and 15, are accused of fatally shooting 39-year-old Anthony Egeonu on January 24, as reported by Dallas police. Emergency responders found Egeonu injured at the CVS on Main Street around 11:05 p.m., and he was rushed to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Law enforcement officials stated that the two teens were apprehended on the same night. Dallas Interim Police Chief Michael Igo held a community meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the shooting, sharing that the suspects had purchased a prepaid cellphone card before attempting to steal from the CVS, as reported by KDFW and CBS News.

“We have a concerned community, and whether it’s a homicide, a tragic homicide, or any incident involving an assault, it is something we want to avoid,” Igo said during the meeting, according to CBS News. “Such events should not occur in any of our neighborhoods.”

CVS Health released a statement to YSL News on Wednesday confirming their cooperation with police as they investigate the shooting that transpired at their Main Street location last Friday night.

“Although Anthony Egeonu was employed by a third-party security firm, he was well-regarded by our store and pharmacy staff and had a crucial role in maintaining the safety of our colleagues, customers, and patients,” the statement added. “We extend our condolences to Anthony’s family and friends during this incredibly trying time.”

Details of the incident at CVS in Dallas

When Egeonu confronted the teenagers that night, Chief Igo mentioned that there was a physical altercation with the 13-year-old, who then brandished a weapon and fired several shots at the security guard before fleeing in a white Kia, according to a local Dallas-Fort Worth news outlet.

Igo mentioned that police suspect, but cannot confirm, that the teenagers may be linked to other crimes outside of the Dallas area, as reported by KDFW.

Family members of Anthony Egeonu, including his wife Octavia, were present at Tuesday evening’s meeting. The couple shares three children, as noted by NBC DFW.

“I thought everything was fine, especially since he was wearing his vest,” Octavia Egeonu shared with CBS News. “So when I arrived at the hospital, I didn’t expect to be told they were sorry. I hoped they would say he was in the ICU or that he had just sustained injuries.”

“How do you explain to a 15-year-old that her dad won’t be taking her to the father-daughter day? How do you tell my 10-year-old he won’t be attending her elementary school graduation, or my 4-year-old who waits each night for his dad to return home?”

GoFundMe established for the Egeonu family

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for the Egeonu family and has raised over $16,000 as of Wednesday.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic news of Anthony’s premature death. On the night of January 24, 2025, while working security, his life was taken away by thieves during a shoplifting incident. Anthony was not only diligent and hardworking but also the main breadwinner for his family,” the fundraising page states.

“Anthony was a cherished member of our community, celebrated for his kindness, generosity, and steadfast devotion to his family. He leaves behind a grieving wife and children who are now enduring an unimaginable loss.”

According to Jermain Pipkins, who organized the GoFundMe, all contributions will “directly support his wife and children to assist with their living costs and ensure they are cared for.”

YSL News has reached out to the GoFundMe organizer for further comments.