Teenager shot dead just three weeks after giving birth as police hunt attacker

09 January 2024 , 11:43

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Teenager shot dead just three weeks after giving birth as police hunt attacker

Cops are hunting for a 17-year-old on suspicion of murder after a popular teenage dancer who had just become a mum was shot and killed.

Lancaster High School student Ikea Imari Hood, also 17, was fatally shot on Sunday, and now police in Dallas are looking for Trevon Darnell Wright, who is charged with murdering the girl. Officers were called to reports of a shooting at 10.40am in Southeast Oak Cliff but Hood died at the scene in her home.

Investigators say Wright had left the area by the time they arrived and on Monday, announced that they issued a murder warrant for the arrest of 17-year-old. Hood was a member of the Tigerette Drill Team at her school and was said to be a bright and talented girl who loved to dance. Police have not revealed further details about the incident.

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New mum Ikea Imari Hood was shot and killed (NBC)

According to FOX 4 Hood, family members said the teenage had given birth just three weeks ago and according to Nyree Preston, who runs Next Level Community Dance Group, the victim was a "hard worker" who was always smiling. She said: "I was absolutely devastated. I was in disbelief."

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Hood danced both in school and as a part of Preston's group and she added: "Ikea was really like a dance daughter to me. Ikea started my program in 2019. She was vibrant, just a radiant smile. She was always laughing, but most of all she was a hard worker. She was always trying to learn the new dance deals, what was needed."

Ms Hood had welcomed her daughter Iceland into the world just three weeks ago (NBC)

The murdered teen's school wrote to parents on Sunday night to tell them about the alleged murder, and the statement said: "I understand that this is extremely difficult news to learn about upon our return to campus from winter break," said a portion of the letter. "On behalf of Lancaster High School and the entire Lancaster ISD community, we extend our deepest sympathy to the student's family and friends at this difficult time.

"Her death represents a great loss for our district, and we are providing counselling and grief services for students and staff members impacted by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with her entire family and the Lancaster High School community." Ms Preston told the victim's friends in her dance groups and the wider school community that they should open their hearts to Hood's memory and also spare some thoughts for her child Iceland.

Paul Donald