Tragedy in North Amarillo: 18-Year-Old Damarian Grear Fatally Shot, Police Launch Homicide Investigation
AMARILLO, TX — The Amarillo community is reeling following the tragic loss of 18-year-old Damarian Grear, who was fatally shot in the early hours of Sunday morning in the northern part of the city. The fatal incident, now under active investigation by the Amarillo Police Department’s Homicide Unit, has sparked an outpouring of grief, outrage, and urgent calls for justice as loved ones and neighbors struggle to comprehend another life taken too soon.
According to Amarillo police officials, officers responded to reports of shots fired at approximately 2:18 a.m. near the 1300 block of North Monroe Street. When they arrived at the scene, they discovered Damarian Grear suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel provided aid, and Grear was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Authorities have not yet named any suspects or released details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting. However, detectives are actively pursuing leads, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses who may have been in the area at the time. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could help bring closure to a family now devastated by an unimaginable loss.
“This was a young man with his entire life ahead of him,” said a spokesperson for the Amarillo Police Department. “We are doing everything we can to identify the individual or individuals responsible and bring them to justice. We also encourage members of the community to speak up — this kind of violence affects us all.”
For Damarian’s family and friends, the pain is overwhelming. A recent graduate of Caprock High School, Damarian was remembered as a smart, driven, and kind-hearted young man with a contagious smile and a gentle soul. He had dreams of attending college, pursuing a career in business, and making a difference in the lives of others. Loved ones say he was the kind of person who lit up any room he entered and always looked out for his younger siblings and friends.
“Damarian had so much potential,” said his aunt, tearfully. “He was full of life, full of love, and he never gave up on people. He didn’t deserve this. None of us did.”
Friends have taken to social media to share tributes and memories, describing him as loyal, funny, and respectful — someone who was always there when you needed him. A growing memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten messages now marks the site where the shooting occurred, a somber symbol of a life cut short and a community left in mourning.
The incident marks yet another troubling act of violence in a city grappling with increasing concerns about youth-related crime and gun violence. Community leaders and local advocacy groups are once again calling for stronger outreach programs, increased law enforcement presence in high-risk neighborhoods, and broader support for Amarillo’s youth population.
“This tragedy underscores the urgent need to invest in our young people,” said one local pastor who works closely with at-risk teens. “We have to do more — not just react to these losses, but prevent them. Damarian should still be here.”
A vigil is being planned in Damarian’s honor, where friends, family, classmates, and members of the Amarillo community will gather to mourn, remember, and call for peace. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but support efforts are underway to assist the Grear family during this painful time.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Amarillo Police Department Homicide Unit at (806) 378-9468 or submit an anonymous tip through Amarillo Crime Stoppers at (806) 374-4400.
As Amarillo grieves the loss of a bright young soul, the hope remains that justice will be served — and that through remembrance, healing, and action, Damarian Grear’s life and legacy will not be forgotten.
Rest in power, Damarian. Your light lives on in the hearts of all who loved you.