Friends of Jaime Rokkett say he loved his community and was more than just a business owner.
DALLAS, Texas — A Dallas community is mourning the loss of a beloved business owner and mentor after a deadly shooting inside The Shops at RedBird.
Jaime Alejandro Rokkett, the owner of Cookies ‘N Smoothies, was shot and killed Tuesday inside his shop. The suspect, 43-year-old Rashonda Lowe, later turned herself in to Arlington police and is now facing a murder charge.
The violence has left those who knew Rokkett struggling to process the loss.
“I was shocked,” said Brandon Denson, a close friend and mentee. “You wouldn’t expect anything crazy or tragic to happen to Jay.”
Denson said Rokkett wasn’t just a businessman, he was a mentor and a father figure.
“I never had a father,” Denson shared. “For him to teach me things like that meant a lot.”
According to an arrest affidavit, surveillance footage shows Lowe speaking with Rokkett for nearly an hour before she pulls out a handgun and shoots him.
Lowe then reportedly jumped over the counter and fired several more times at close range, left the gun behind and ran from the mall.
Court records show Rokkett had previously filed for a restraining order against Lowe, though the motive in the case remains unclear.
Community members said Rokkett wasn’t just operating a business; he was actively involved in uplifting the area.
“He gave to the kids. He gave to the community,” said community activist Jeanette Berry. “He just didn’t work at RedBird, he was part of RedBird.”
Berry and Allison Williams said Rokkett regularly helped with fundraisers, back-to-school drives and other outreach efforts.
“We should band together more so in his honor,” Williams said. “To continue the fight, to continue the work in the community, because that’s something he’d want to do.”
“We’re gonna keep moving how J would move,” said Denson. “With love and positivity.”
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