Dad Tells Son ‘Stop Playing With That Gun’ Before Being Fatally Shot

A Fort Worth shooting ended with the arrest of Xavier Bass, for the fatal shooting of his father, Gene Bass, during a family dispute. The tragic incident unfolded on Chesapeake Bay Drive and led to a nationwide search before Xavier’s arrest.

FORT WORTH, TX (2-minute read) — In a heartbreaking incident, a Fort Worth, Texas, man, Xavier Bass, 27, was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing his father, Gene Bass, 54. The shooting occurred on Chesapeake Bay Drive just before 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

Upon arrival, police found Gene Bass lying in the front yard with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to an affidavit obtained by Channel 2 Action News, witnesses described a black Ford Mustang stopping in front of the home. Xavier Bass exited the vehicle, holding a handgun which he tossed and caught twice.

Gene Bass approached his son, reportedly saying, “Boy, stop playing with that gun before you shoot someone.” Despite the warning, Xavier fired several shots, striking his father multiple times, including at least one shot to the head, before fleeing the scene.

Officers linked Xavier to the crime through his Facebook profile, which showed him with a black Ford Mustang registered in Georgia. The suspect’s ex-wife mentioned the family’s unsuccessful attempts to contact him, and a redacted witness statement confirmed the victim was Xavier’s father.

Xavier’s girlfriend disclosed that he had planned to visit his mother, sell his Mustang, and check into a mental hospital. She attempted to contact him on the day of the shooting but received no response.

Authorities apprehended Xavier Bass on Saturday at a home in Valdosta, Georgia. He is currently held on a murder charge, awaiting extradition to Texas.

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the critical need for responsible firearm practices and the importance of addressing mental health issues promptly.

Safety Tip: Always store firearms unloaded and locked, when not in use, in a secure place, away from unauthorized users, especially children.