RIP Linda

Dallas police arrest two racing teens who killed woman walking her dog

Linda Pearson was killed by street racers.

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The Dallas Police Department has apprehended the two men who were racing on Ferguson Road on November 26 and killed a woman walking her dog.

Linda Pearson, 73, was crossing Ferguson Road in the Casa View neighborhood when she was hit. Both she and her dog died.

The two drivers are both in their late teens: Brayan Ontiveros Montoya, 19, was arrested on December 2; Andrew Ramiro Martinez, 18, was taken into custody on December 5.

Montoya was the driver of a yellow Camaro with a black racing stripe. He was charged with street racing and causing an accident involving death.

Martinez was the driver of the black Chevrolet Impala; he's the one who struck Pearson when he swerved to avoid another vehicle.

Both drivers fled the scene, failing to stop and render aid.

A blinking yellow light has since been installed at the intersection where she was killed.

According to Fox4, police tracked down Montoya using tips and social media, including Montoya's Instagram account which included photos of a yellow Camaro matching the distinct markings on the hood of the car.

Tipsters told police that Montoya had previously worked at a nearby McDonald's, which was managed by his mother who confirmed that her son owned the Camaro.

Posts on Pearson's neighborhood Facebook page recall her as a devout Christian who was active in her church community and devoted to her grandchildren. On NextDoor, her son-in-law posted a thanks to the neighborhood:

"This has been a horribly tragic week for us and we have remained quiet because we are taking care of our family. Nana Linda's grandkids are our kids and it has been a very painful experience as all of you can imagine. Linda was a wonderful grandparent. She would take the kids on walks around the lake and to play putt putt golf. This is not how we imagined bringing in the Christmas season. A season in which Nana Linda played a huge role. I was supposed to help put her lights up last weekend. It is my intention to fulfill that last promise. Our family is also grateful for the outpouring of love and community support."

The neighborhood has organized a celebration of Pearson's life on December 12 at 1:45 pm with a procession from Casa View Assembly of God at 9949 Ferguson Rd. to 2244 Hartline, where there will be a laying of 73 of her favorite color flowers followed by a vigil.

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Homeless News

Downtown Dallas homeless service Stewpot lands bigger better space

The Stewpot

It's official: The Stewpot, a community program that serves the homeless, has a new home. According to a release, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas — the organization that oversees the Stewpot — has acquired the CitySquare Community Center building at 1610 S. Malcolm X Blvd. where the StewPot will soon reside.

“This new facility will allow us to better deliver our programs and continue to support the 12,000 people served annually by CitySquare’s Neighbor Resource Center and Food Pantry programs,” said Brenda Snitzer, executive director of The Stewpot.

The Stewpot is a community ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas. Established in 1975, it began with a concerned group of church members who started preparing lunch for the congregation's homeless and hungry neighbors.

It serves those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Its programs have tripled in size in recent years, and the ministry has outgrown its current space at 1835 Young St. across from the church.

When CitySquare announced earlier this year that it would cease operations and sell its property by the end of the year, First Presbyterian leaped in to make a bid on the space. Members voted on Sunday, December 8 to approve the acquisition. The closing is scheduled for Friday, December 13. The Stewpot will begin moving into the new space later this month.

As a part of the acquisition, The Stewpot will continue two of CitySquare’s core programs: its Food Pantry and its Neighbor Resource Center, which helps people with housing options, SNAP, WIC, healthcare, financial assistance, and mental health services.

The property is a mile from The Stewpot’s current facility on Young Street, across the street from the church. With this acquisition, The Stewpot will move its operations and offices, while continuing to serve more than 1,000 meals daily at The Bridge downtown.

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