Beloved Dallas Business Owner “Mr. Jay” Fatally Shot Inside Cookie Shop at Red Bird Mall, Community Devastated
The Dallas community is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of a beloved local figure, affectionately known as “Mr. Jay,” who was shot and killed on Monday, June 30, 2025, inside his popular cookie shop located at Red Bird Mall in southern Dallas. The tragic act of violence has left friends, customers, mentees, and fellow business owners devastated as they remember a man whose life was dedicated to uplifting his community, inspiring youth, and spreading kindness — one cookie at a time.
💔 A Sudden and Senseless Loss
According to the Dallas Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting inside the Red Bird Mall food court area around 2:15 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Mr. Jay, later identified as Jeremiah “Jay” Thompson, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds behind the counter of his store, Jay’s Famous Cookies — a small but beloved business he had operated for nearly a decade.
Paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but Mr. Jay was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have since confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody near the mall’s exit shortly after the incident. Investigators believe the shooting may have stemmed from a personal dispute between Mr. Jay and the suspect, who has not yet been publicly identified pending formal charges. Authorities have emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident and not a random act of violence.
🍪 More Than a Cookie Shop Owner
For many in the Red Bird and Oak Cliff neighborhoods, Mr. Jay was more than just a businessman — he was a mentor, role model, and community father figure. A former youth counselor turned entrepreneur, he launched Jay’s Famous Cookies not just as a business venture, but as a platform to reach and mentor young men and women in his neighborhood.
He employed high school students, taught them job skills, and offered them guidance on everything from financial literacy to navigating college applications. For many, a job at Jay’s Famous Cookies was their first taste of work experience, and for some, it was a turning point in their lives.
“Mr. Jay changed my life,” said Marcus Daniels, a former employee and now college student. “He believed in me when nobody else did. Working for him wasn’t just about cookies — it was about growing as a man.”
🌆 A Community in Mourning
The mall, once buzzing with the joyful smell of fresh-baked treats and the warm energy Mr. Jay was known for, has turned somber as customers and neighbors left flowers, cards, and candles outside the now-shuttered cookie shop. A vigil is planned for Thursday evening at the mall, where community leaders and residents will gather to honor his life and legacy.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson released a statement, calling Mr. Jay’s death a “profound loss for the city.”
“Mr. Jay was a beacon of light in our community — someone who lifted up others, invested in our youth, and embodied the best of Dallas. We are heartbroken.”
👮 Investigation Continues
The suspect in Mr. Jay’s murder is currently in Dallas County Jail and faces charges of first-degree murder. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from inside the mall. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 214-373-TIPS.
The police department has increased patrols around Red Bird Mall in the aftermath of the shooting, and mall management has vowed to enhance on-site security measures.
💬 Remembering Mr. Jay
Online tributes have flooded social media with heartfelt messages, childhood memories, and stories of how Mr. Jay’s generosity and wisdom left lasting impressions. Friends say he was a man of deep faith, a talented baker, and a passionate believer in second chances.
“He didn’t just sell cookies — he gave out love, one smile at a time,” wrote one customer. “He made everyone feel seen.”
Mr. Jay is survived by his wife, two children, and countless young people who considered him family.
📍 A Lasting Legacy
Plans are already underway to create a scholarship fund in Mr. Jay’s name, dedicated to helping youth from underserved Dallas neighborhoods pursue higher education and entrepreneurial dreams. There are also community efforts to rename the mall corridor where his shop stood in his honor.
In a world often divided by violence, Mr. Jay stood as a reminder that kindness, community, and mentorship matter. His loss is deeply felt — but his legacy of hope, cookies, and compassion will continue to nourish Dallas for years to come.