DPD: Teen stopped at store before she was killed

DALLAS - New details were released Wednesday in the slaying of an 18-year-old Dallas woman who was found dead after she disappeared on her way to church.

The victim, Zoe Hastings, left her Lake Highlands home for church Sunday afternoon. Her body was found the next morning in a creek that is now the spot of a memorial.

Police do not yet have a suspect in the case. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information.

Police announced Wednesday that Hastings made a stop on the way to church. They say that Hastings may have stopped at a Walgreens at around 4:40 p.m. at Garland and Peavy Road near her home to drop off a Redbox movie there first. 

“I wish I could have seen her, but it's too late,” said Shannon Mani.

Mani was working Sunday at the Walgreens. He was inside, while police believe Hastings stopped by outside to drop off a movie rental before she was supposed to go to a church meeting on Lake Highlands Drive.

Mani, who knew Hastings from school, didn't see the teen, but police are looking for anyone else who did.

“We want to touch base with them we want to talk to them to find out if they remember seeing Zoe the van that we've released pictures of or perhaps a person or persons of interest,” said Maj. Max Geron with the Dallas Police Department.

At a Wednesday news conference, Dallas police asked witnesses to consider an expanded timeframe and a new known stop and to search their memories for any sightings of Hastings or her white 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan.

“We are currently reaching out to the Walgreens store as well as folks in the media to try and identify any customers who may have been in that store between the hours of say 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and 5 p.m."

Police don’t believe Hastings was at Walgreens very long.

She was expected at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 5 p.m., but never made it.

Hastings was found slain the next morning, still with the family van in a creek along Dixfield Drive, which is about a half-mile from the church. 

Dallas police say family members plan to meet Thursday at 5 p.m. at Norbuck Park to canvass for witnesses. They’re asking for volunteers to help in hopes that they can shake out the killer. 

“How could anybody do this to her?” said Mani. “Like, why her? Why did that happen?”

Hastings’ family released a statement Wednesday, asking the public for help.

“Our Zoe was full of life and love and light. She was full of talent. She was happy and joyful. She is loved by her parents and her siblings. She loved the Lord, Jesus Christ, and loved serving others. She was planning to serve a mission to share this message of the Savior's love with others. It pains us to know that her life has been taken, yet we feel comfort in knowing that our family is forever and we will be together again someday,” her family said.

They thanked police and people in the community who have reached out to help.

“We are grateful for the privacy and respect given to us during this extremely difficult time. Please continue to pray for our family. We appreciate and need your support," the family said.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Dallas police. Additionally, the detective on this case can be reached directly at 214-671-3647.

Hastings’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which is located at 10701 E. Lake Highlands Drive. The public is invited to help honor her