After responding to an early morning call, Gadsden Police uncovered the body of Dakota Hallmark shot to death in a parked vehicle at the intersection of South 5th Street and Chestnut Street around 4:48 a.m. on June 22, 2025.
Hallmark was found in the driver’s seat of the vehicle during a routine patrol of the area. Officers immediately secured the scene and initiated their investigation, working quickly to gather evidence and witness statements from the surrounding area. The medical examiner later confirmed the death as a homicide, though specific details about the number and location of gunshot wounds haven’t been disclosed to the public.
In a swift development, law enforcement apprehended Chrisshod Wallace later that same day. The suspect was charged with murder in connection to Hallmark’s death, though police haven’t yet disclosed what evidence led to the arrest. The investigation remains active as detectives continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
“We’re urging anyone with information about this incident to come forward,” said the Gadsden Police spokesperson. “Even the smallest detail could be vital to our investigation.” The department has established a dedicated tip line for citizens to share information while maintaining anonymity if they choose.
The shooting has sparked concerns among local residents about safety in the area. Community leaders have scheduled several meetings to address these concerns and discuss potential measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The intersection of South 5th Street and Chestnut Street, typically a quiet area, has become a focal point for discussions about community safety and violence prevention.
Local business owners near the crime scene have reported increased police presence in the days following the incident. Several have expressed support for additional security measures, including improved lighting and surveillance systems in the area.
The case has drawn attention to broader issues of violence in Gadsden, prompting city officials to review current safety protocols and consider implementing new security measures throughout the community.
While the arrest of Wallace represents a significant breakthrough in the case, investigators continue to work diligently to establish a complete timeline of events and determine any potential motives for the shooting.
The Gadsden Police Department maintains regular communication with Hallmark’s family and has assured the public they’ll provide updates as the investigation progresses, while being careful not to compromise the integrity of the case.
