A Parker County (Tex.) sheriff’s dispatcher answered a ringing 911 line at 12:30 a.m. yesterday, and with remarkable patience and compassion listened to and talked with a 15 year-old boy who confessed to fatally shooting his mother and sister. The unnamed female dispatcher spoke to Jake Evans, 17, for 25 minutes as deputies drove to his home in a rural gated community west of Dallas, reassuring him of help, asking him questions, and ultimately leading him to safely surrender. “We’re going to help you, we’re not going to hurt you,” the dispatcher told Evans at one point. After Evans said he worried about having nightmares, the dispatcher told him, ‘I’m sure your family will get you the support you need.” Police say Evans used a .22-cal. revolver to shoot his relatives several times. A motive for the shootings isn’t clear, even after listening to the 911 call. Throughout the call, the dispatcher showed no signs of judgement or disgust through her voice, but instead created a personal connection and built trust with Evans to safely end the incident. As deputies moved into position outside Evans’ home, the dispatcher instructed him on how to surrender. “Just walk very slowly, and walk outside, and keep your hands visible, alright, sweetie? I’ll talk to you later.” Listen to the entire 911 call here.
2 comments… add one
1st thought: Not enough questions asked of the caller, i.e. house description, is the gun still loaded and does he have access to the gun at this time, patient(s) status; verify breathing. No description of the caller was taken, no verification of address or phone number.
2nd thought: Caller was eearily calm throughout the call, didn’t seem necessary to give him breathing exercises and telling him it’s all going to be okay. No instructions were given to stay away from the gun and do not pick it up at any time. He wasn’t sure if he was still homicidal, and unsure if he wanted to commit suicide.
3rd thought: If calltaker was the dispatcher, I didn’t hear the additional information on the gun being relayed to PD prior to arrival. (Officer Safety)
4th thought: Call ended w/o incident and the dispatcher kept caller calm; even though he was throught the call. I feel more information should have been taken, but overall not too bad.
My 1st thought: Dispatchers are humans and noone is perfect.
My 2nd thought: I’m glad the call has a happy ending.
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