“A good man” gunned down by coward

DPD’s Darron Burks murdered, two others injured

By Cheryl Smith
Texas Metro News

Editor’s note – While heading the communications/journalism department at Paul Quinn College, I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know many wonderful students, like Darron Burks, who left an indelible impression on me. Writing about his brutal death is challenging.  

They call Darron Burks, “pure,” as they talk about his many attributes. 

They call the murderer of the rookie police officer, “coward.”

The two worlds collided Thursday night around 10p.m., when Corey Cobb-Bey parked his car in the For Oak Cliff Community Center parking lot in the 900 block of East Ledbetter Drive in South Oak Cliff. 

According to reports, Officer Burks parked in the same lot, during his shift.

Cobb-Bey approached the patrol vehicle, and after some words, shot the officer. 

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said Officer Burks was executed, and that it was not an ambush. Instead, it was a targeted attack, where the shooter filmed his actions.

Officer Darron Lee Burks

Officer Darron Lee Burks, age 46, tragically lost his life in the line of duty while protecting and serving the citizens of Dallas.

Born on August 8, 1978, to Leotis Burks and Cherie Jeffery, Darron dedicated his life to the safety and well-being of his community.

Officer Burks served with unwavering pride and commitment on the Dallas Police Department until his unfortunate passing. His bravery, dedication, and selflessness were evident in every aspect of his work, and he was a beacon of hope and security for those he served.

A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of courage and service will forever be remembered and honored.

Rest in peace, Officer Burks. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

When responding officers arrived on the scene, at least two returned gunfire with Cobb-Bey. Officers Jamie Farmer and Karissa David were injured.

While Officer Farmer was shot in the leg and was eventually released,  Officer David was shot in the face and at press time remained in critical condition. 

Officers pursued Cobb-Bey to Lewisville where he was ultimately shot and killed, after exiting his vehicle carrying a “long gun.”

Meanwhile, back at the scene of the initial shooting, officers were being transported to medical facilities.

Community activist Min. Dominique Alexander of Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) was among concerned citizens who showed up with law enforcement at the Center that fateful night.

Saying that he was on the scene until the wee morning hours, Min. Alexander was visibly disturbed and concerned, noting in an NGAN release, that “this heartbreaking incident occurred on the property of one of our valued community partners, the For Oak Cliff Community Center, a space dedicated to creating safety and support for all residents.”

Referring to Officer Burks as brave, Dallas City Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold called for solidarity and asked everyone to extend compassion and support to the families of the officers.  She condemned the “senseless” violent acts. 

“We are committed to ensuring that our community remains safe and that the sacrifices made by our officers are honored.”

Friday evening hundreds gathered in the parking lot of For Oak Cliff for the first of many vigils. Speakers included Councilwoman King-Arnold, fraternity brother Keio Gamble, classmates,  DPD officers, and Constable Deanna Hammond who worked with Officer Burks at Dallas Can.

“I first met Darron at Texans Can, and he carried those qualities of a true servant leader from the classroom into his role of serving and protecting the community. Not only was he my friend and frat brother, but he became one of my constituents after I was elected as Constable. He called and said, ‘Congrats Big Sis, I voted for you…’ Then, later in that same year, I received a call from him saying, ‘Big Sis,  I did a thing. ‘…. well, that thing was completing the Dallas Police Academy, and he invited me out to his graduation ceremony,’” the Constable read from her social media post. 

Following the 7:04 pm gathering many were going to another one in Cedar Hill and there were also others scheduled over the weekend.

For those headed toward downtown Dallas on Friday night, they were able to see several buildings lit up in blue.

Badges were adorned with a strip of black tape, many wore purple and gold shirts signifying an affiliation with Paul Quinn College while others wore the same colors because they were the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity brothers of Officer Burks. 

And then there were fellow officers and members of every branch of first responders, gathering in a display of solidarity, including those who were in his class at the academy, close friends, and members of the Divine Nine  (members of the nine Black Greek Letter Sororities and Fraternities).”

Once the identity of the slain officer had been confirmed, social media platforms were deluged with posts from across the country. 

Taylor Toynes, also an educator, is the executive director of For Oak Cliff.   In a statement, he said, “While this tragic incident occurred at our campus, we want to emphasize that it was a random and isolated event. We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they continue their investigation. For Oak Cliff remains steadfast in our commitment to serving our community and will not be deterred from our mission. 

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said Dallas has lost a hero. 

“We all grieve with the officer’s family today, and we pray for a full and swift recovery for the two officers who were wounded,” he added. “This is devastating. In Dallas, we put public safety first. We stand up to violent criminals. We ask our police officers to do dangerous work so the rest of us can sleep peacefully. These dedicated public servants do so with grace, honor, respect, humility, and extraordinary courage. And this attack on three of our protectors is nothing short of an attack on our city, our families, and our way of life. We must continue their work to stop violence in our communities. We must never forget their sacrifice. And we must take the time to come together and lift each other up as we mourn our fallen.”

Crystal Armstrong attended the vigil at For Oak Cliff. A former employee of Paul Quinn College, was deeply moved.

“I’m just heartbroken that another Black man who was making a positive impact in the community has senselessly lost his life,” she said. “The DPD is always trying to recruit good officers and he left a 17-year career in teaching to serve the community in a different capacity, only to lose his life within the first year.  I’m just exhausted by what the whole incident represents.”

Her sentiments were echoed by so many as they described Officer Burks as a good man who was spiritually grounded and didn’t smoke, drink, or cuss.  A born leader, but also a team player whose fraternity brothers say embodied the spirit of their 113-year-old brotherhood, that stresses, “friendship is essential to the soul.”

Visitation
SEP 7. 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (CT)
Watermark Church
7540 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy
Dallas, TX 75251

Celebration of Life
SEP 7. 11:00 AM (CT)
Watermark Church
7540 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy