A quiet Friday morning in Purcell, Oklahoma, turned into a frightening emergency when a woman was shot inside an office on South Green Avenue. Authorities say the incident happened just after 10:30 a.m. on March 6. The woman, identified as Marilyn Cockrill, was rushed to surgery and remains in critical condition. Police are still investigating what exactly led to the gun going off.
What Happened in Purcell?
According to local reports, Marilyn Cockrill was shot in the abdomen inside an office building.
Her husband, Charles Cockrill, told officers he was cleaning a .45-caliber pistol when it accidentally discharged. The bullet struck Marilyn in the stomach.
Police briefly detained Charles at the scene. He was later treated for wrist injuries and released.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
Multiple agencies responded quickly, including:
- Purcell Police Department
- Purcell Fire Department
- McClain County Sheriff’s Office
Wadley’s EMS transported Marilyn to an Oklahoma City hospital for emergency surgery. Wadley’s EMS covers a large area of about 900 square miles and regularly takes critically injured patients to higher-level hospitals.
Purcell Municipal Hospital is the town’s main acute-care facility, but serious cases are often transferred to Oklahoma City for specialised treatment.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Purcell Assistant Chief James Bolling told local media that the case remains under investigation. Detectives are:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Processing the scene
- Reviewing evidence
As of now:
- No charges have been filed
- The McClain County District Attorney’s office has not released a statement
- Police have not confirmed whether the shooting was officially accidental
Authorities say they are working to piece together exactly what happened.
Gun Safety Reminder
While this case is still under review, firearm safety experts continue to stress some basic rules:
- Treat every gun as if it is loaded
- Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire
Groups like the National Shooting Sports Foundation regularly promote these safety practices to prevent accidental shootings.
Case Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Marilyn Cockrill |
| Condition | Critical |
| Location | South Green Avenue, Purcell |
| Date | March 6 |
| Reported Cause | Gun discharged while being cleaned |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
The shooting in Purcell has left a family and community shaken. What appears to be a possible accidental discharge during routine gun cleaning has resulted in a life-threatening injury. As Marilyn Cockrill remains in critical condition, investigators are carefully reviewing the circumstances to determine exactly what happened.
Incidents like this highlight the importance of strict firearm safety at all times. Even experienced gun owners can face tragic consequences if something goes wrong. For now, the focus remains on Marilyn’s recovery and the ongoing investigation that will determine whether the shooting was truly an accident or if further legal action will follow.
