18-Year-Old Saryiah Sanford Griffin Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting of 13-Year-Old Marcus Reeves Jr. in Dallas

Dallas authorities have arrested 18-year-old Saryiah Sanford Griffin in connection with the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Marcus Reeves Jr., who was reportedly shot outside a Red Bird neighborhood home after knocking on the door to speak with another juvenile.

Griffin was charged with capital murder following her arrest on Friday. The shooting occurred on March 11, just before 11 p.m., on Pin Tail Court, near South Hampton Road and I-20, according to police and local reports.

Tragic Circumstances

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Marcus Reeves Jr. went to the home to speak with another juvenile who lives there. After a brief conversation, the door was closed, and gunshots were reportedly heard moments later.

Griffin claimed she found Reeves Jr. lying on the ground outside and immediately called 9-1-1. However, police said a witness on a video call with the juvenile inside the home heard shouting and gunfire, including someone yelling, “Saryiah! You shot him!” Authorities believe this raises questions about Griffin’s account of the incident.

The motive for the shooting remains unclear. Police have not released details about what may have been said before the fatal confrontation. It is also unknown whether Reeves Jr. and Griffin knew each other prior to the incident.

Family Speaks Out

The victim’s father, Marcus Reeves Sr., expressed his grief and frustration over the senseless loss of his son:

“What could a 13-year-old do or have done to be shot in his head? We are really trying to figure it out, and we want answers, and we want justice.”

He added a plea for safer communities and accountability for young people carrying firearms:

“I want the younger folks to put their guns down. Losing a child is a pain—it’s hard to get over, it’s hard to let go. The justice system has got to crack down on it because there are too many kids catching cases and thinking they won’t get life sentences.”

Next Steps

Griffin’s bond amount has not yet been set. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including why Reeves Jr. visited the home and whether there was any prior relationship between him and Griffin.

The community remains in shock as Dallas police work to piece together the events that led to this tragic death.