18-Year-Old Damarian Grear Fatally Shot in North Amarillo; Police Launch Homicide Investigation
AMARILLO, TX — A heartbreaking wave of grief has struck the Amarillo community following the tragic shooting death of 18-year-old Damarian Grear, who was killed in the early hours of Sunday morning in North Amarillo. As police continue to investigate the fatal incident, family members, friends, and neighbors are left mourning the sudden and violent loss of a young man whose life was just beginning.
According to the Amarillo Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 2:18 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, in the 1300 block of North Monroe Street. Upon arrival, they found Damarian Grear suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Amarillo Police Homicide Unit has launched an active investigation, although no arrests have been made and no suspect descriptions have been released at this time. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist in solving the case. They are reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area and speaking to potential witnesses who may have been present during or shortly before the shooting.
“This was a senseless act of violence that took the life of a young man who had so much ahead of him,” said one Amarillo police spokesperson. “We are working diligently to bring justice to Damarian and his family. We ask the community to assist us — if you know something, say something.”
For those who knew Damarian, the shock and pain are immeasurable. A recent graduate of a local high school, he was described by classmates, mentors, and family as kind, respectful, and full of potential. He loved sports, music, and spending time with his close-knit circle of friends. Damarian was also known for his quiet strength and a warm smile that rarely left his face.
“He was my baby boy,” his mother shared in a tearful statement. “He wasn’t perfect, but he had a good heart. He was trying to make something of himself. He wanted to go to college, get a job, and be somebody his younger cousins could look up to. Someone just took all of that from us.”
The grief has spread quickly across Amarillo’s youth and school communities, where Damarian had become a familiar and well-loved figure. Friends took to social media in the hours following the shooting to share tributes, memories, and cries for justice. A makeshift memorial now stands near the site of the shooting, filled with flowers, candles, handwritten notes, and photos — each one a testament to a life that left a lasting impact, even in just 18 short years.
“This shouldn’t keep happening,” said one local pastor who has worked closely with teens in North Amarillo. “We are losing too many young people to violence. We need community-wide conversations, mentorship programs, and real solutions. These young lives matter — Damarian’s life mattered.”
As the investigation unfolds, the Amarillo Police Department is calling on anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious around the time of the shooting to reach out. All tips will be treated with confidentiality, and even anonymous information could help investigators piece together the truth.
A candlelight vigil in honor of Damarian Grear is scheduled for later this week, with details being shared by family and local youth leaders. The event will serve as both a tribute to his life and a call to action for peace and community healing. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been launched to assist the family with funeral expenses and to support them during this deeply painful time.
Damarian Grear’s tragic death has left behind a silence that echoes throughout his community — a silence filled with unanswered questions, tears, and the haunting weight of what could have been. As loved ones gather to remember his light, the hope remains that justice will be served, and that his memory will be a force for change.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Amarillo Police Department Homicide Unit at (806) 378-9468 or Crime Stoppers at (806) 374-4400. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Rest in peace, Damarian. Your light will not be forgotten.