Texas barber rebuilds after witnessing shocking murder-suicide in salon

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Nearly two weeks after a tragic murder-suicide inside Salon and Spa Galleria, barber Dax Rodgers is working to rebuild his business and reclaim his peace of mind one haircut at a time.

What happened to Texas barber Dax Rodgers?

On July 11, Arlington police say 37-year-old Michelle Williams entered the salon shortly after 10 a.m. and fatally shot her boyfriend, 37-year-old Todd Austin, while he sat in Rodgers’ barber chair. Williams then turned the gun on herself. No other injuries were reported. Authorities have confirmed the investigation is ongoing.

Rodgers, known professionally as Dax the Barber, was cutting Austin’s hair when the violence unfolded.

“I saw something I never thought I would see,” he told WFAA.

In the hours that followed, Rodgers remained outside the salon until crime scene technicians completed their work. Upon reentering, he says he was shaken by the sight of dried blood on the chair.

“It was eerie,” Rodgers said. “I can’t keep this chair.”

The emotional aftermath has been just as challenging. Rodgers admits the trauma often resurfaces, despite his efforts to move forward.

“Sometimes I’m not good,” he said. “Those are my favorite two words—‘I’m good.’ But sometimes I’m not.”

Rodgers has committed to rebuilding guided by a personal mantra:

“The best way to attract new clients is to take care of the ones you have.”

Community Steps In to Help Barber Begin Again

GoFundMe

After hearing his story, Jessica Ibarra, a woman with no prior connection to Rodgers, felt compelled to act. Her husband, Mario Ibarra, a master barber and mentor in Arlington, initially hesitated but later supported her efforts to help.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Jessica said. “He’s going to need all this stuff he’s going to need a new barber chair, he’s going to need new supplies.”

GoFundMe launched for barber Dax Rodgers

Jessica launched a GoFundMe to help Rodgers get back on his feet. The fundraiser has attracted donations from fellow barbers, locals, and members of the broader beauty community.

“Starting over, especially in today’s economy, is tough,” added Mario. “Everything’s gone up since he first started.”

Despite the tragedy, Rodgers is finding resilience in community support and his craft.

For those wishing to support, the GoFundMe campaign continues online.