Latasha Hymond, a prominent makeup artist and business owner, was tragically shot and killed during a block party on Castleman Street in Fort Worth, Texas, on the Fourth of July 2024.
Hymond, 39, was live-streaming the celebrations on Facebook when the incident occurred.
Law enforcement reported that gunfire erupted during the festivities, resulting in Hymond being caught in the crossfire.
Two other individuals were also shot but are expected to survive. Authorities are currently searching for several suspects involved in the shooting.
Pastor Felton Jenkins, Hymond’s cousin, shared his grief and memories with local TV station KENS-5.
“She is sweet. She is my angel,” Jenkins said. “Every time we see each other, it’s a hug, it’s a kiss, it’s a smile, dance, you name it. We are going to cheer each other up. She was loved by everybody.”
The community’s reaction was mixed, with some expressing frustration over the frequent violence in the area.
A local teenager told reporters, “You grow up with it, you kind of get used to it.”
Hymond’s fiancé, Tommy Howard, spoke to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, describing her as “the sweetest person on this earth” and one of the best makeup artists in Fort Worth.
Howard credited Hymond with helping him through the grief of losing a previous fiancée to cancer.
“Everybody loved her,” he said. “She was cheerful, she was just a good spirit. … She actually was my savior.”
Hymond’s business, Slay by Shae, issued a statement mourning her loss:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved owner Latasha.”
The business has been temporarily closed as the community copes with this devastating loss.
