The suspect in a Sunnyvale shooting death is now in the Dallas County Jail following a year-long investigation.

27-year-old Quantavius Gomillia was captured in Mississippi earlier this week. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office transported him back to Dallas on Thursday, June 27.

Gomillia is charged with murder related to the June 4, 2023 shooting death of Tyesha Merritt at the Riverstone Apartments on Planters Road. Additional charges are pending related to injuries suffered by three children and a male adult in that incident.

Sunnyvale Police Chief Bill Vegas credits his department’s investigations team for relentlessly pursuing this case and thanks law enforcement partners, including the Mesquite Police Department Criminal Investigative Unit, Carrollton Police Department and the FBI.

Sunnyvale Mayor Saji George echoes the Chief’s appreciation. “I’m very proud of our officers and investigators for their tireless efforts in this case,” says Mayor George. “Sunnyvale is a safe community which rarely faces such situations. It’s comforting to know that our department has the experience and resources to serve our community so effectively.”

Thousands of Sunnyvale residents and guests enjoyed the food, fun and live entertainment at this year's Sunnyfest Celebration at Town Center Park.

Last Friday's event featured Country music duo Maddie & Tae, Country music's Matt Stell, and the Surf City AllStars featuring original Beach Boy David Marks, with a fabulous drone and fireworks show as the grand finale.

Festival goers also enjoyed all kinds of fun games and activities and yummy food. Here's a video recap of the 2024 event!

Our annual Sunnyfest Celebration can't happen without our sponsors! In addition to our title sponsors, Daniel Steel and Reliable Construction, here are the wonderful companies and individuals who supported this year's event:

Patriot Sponsor

• Republic Services
  

Independence Sponsor

• Peter and Sally Muhl

Freedom Sponsors

• KSA
• Tom Thumb

Star Sponsors

• Riddell Plumbing
• Clark Electric
• Spring Valley Construction Company
• MC Data Solution
• Branding Iron Unlimited AKA Signarama
• ASI

Sunnyfest Contributors

• Riddell Plumbing
• Mesquite Tree Service
• Walt McCool Law
• Caruth Protection Services
• Linebarger

Through June 27, a total of 14,170 cubic yards of green waste have been removed from Sunnyvale streets and alleys by DRC, Republic Services and the Town of Sunnyvale Public Works and Parks Departments.

Special storm-related pickup services have concluded. However, residents can contact Republic Services to coordinate disposal.

Going forward, any debris will be subject to Republic Services' bundle rule and will be picked up as part of their regular service.

Citizens will need to separate fence pieces from tree debris piles and regular trash, as the Mesquite Composting Landfill will not accept treated wood found in wood fencing. The wood fence pieces will need to be cut into four-foot sections for Republic Services to pick them up. If fence pieces cannot be cut into four-foot sections, please call 972-203-4165 to coordinate disposal by July 15.

If you have questions, please contact the Town of Sunnyvale at 972-203-0325.

The Vineyard Park soccer fields are closed for repairs. The Sunnyvale Parks Department will post a notification when repairs are complete. Please stay off of the grass areas during this time.

May to November is mosquito season in Dallas County. Those pesky bugs can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus. We are all reminded to use the 4Ds to help reduce the chance of being bitten by a mosquito.

• DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
• DRESS: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• DRAIN: Remove all standing water in and around your home.
• DUSK & DAWN: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active.

For more information, visit the Dallas County Health & Human Services website.

Here are some of our featured animals that need a new home:

Aslan is an 11-week-old male Domestic Short Hair Orange Tabby

Hello, I'm Aslan! Life in this shelter is fun, but I'm ready for my forever home. I'm as playful as a butterfly chasing its shadow and as curious as a detective on a case. I love exploring new nooks and crannies, and I'm always up for a game of hide-and-seek. My energy is contagious, and I'm sure to brighten up your day with my antics. But don't worry, when it's time to wind down, I'm the best cuddle buddy you could ask for. I'm sweet, friendly, and just bursting with love to give. I promise you won't regret welcoming me into your home!

Bucky is approximately 2 years old, Male Golden Retriever Poodle Mix

Hi, I'm Bucky! I've got a heart full of love and a spirit full of curiosity. I love making people laugh with my goofy antics and bringing joy with my playful nature. I'm a brave guy, always ready to explore new things. And when the day's adventures are over, there's nothing I enjoy more than a good cuddle. But what I want most is a forever home where I can share my sweetness and friendliness. Adopting me means endless laughter, unconditional love, and a loyal friend for life.

Clay is approximately 2 years old, Anatolian Shepherd Mix

Hi there, I'm Clay! I'm a young pup with a heart full of love and curiosity. I'm pretty independent, but I love company and playing games. I'm quick to learn new tricks, so teaching me would be a fun challenge! I love exploring and discovering new things. I'm sweet and gentle and have a knack for brightening up anyone's day with my playful antics. I'm looking for a forever home where I can share all my love and energy. Adopting me would mean endless days of fun, learning, and most importantly, companionship. I promise to be the best friend you could ever ask for.

We currently have many adoptable animals in our shelter looking for a new place to call home. Learn more by visiting our Petfinder page or calling (214) 862-4525.

Each week will feature Read S'more Story Times on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Make Camp Crafts every Thursday at 2 p.m. Venture into the woods on Fridays at 2 p.m. for Campfire Fun with amazing storytellers, musicians, puppeteers, and more. It's all happening at the Doris Padgett Public Library, 402 Tower Place.

Weekly Door Prize: Indoor/Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Card Game

Please join us for a fun and informative day of learning and fun! We will host an informative session with Sergeant Dylan Stovall of the Sunnyvale Police Department about the best way to keep yourself safe from scammers who target people every day. Refreshments will be served.