A 34-year-old man, identified as M. Taylor, was fatally shot by Oklahoma police last week after a violent series of incidents, including a double homicide, a stabbing, and multiple burglaries, according to authorities. The incidents unfolded over several hours and spanned various locations in Tulsa.
Timeline of Events: A Series of Violent Acts
The sequence of violence began around 11:15 p.m. when a 911 call reported a double shooting in a parked vehicle in Tulsa. Officers arrived at the scene to find a 75-year-old male driver and a 29-year-old female passenger in the vehicle. Authorities stated that the driver, identified as Moesly, was a rideshare driver, while the passenger, Carlissa, was his fare.
Both victims succumbed to their injuries after being shot at close range. The driver was shot in the head, dying at the wheel, while the pregnant passenger, who was between 10 to 15 weeks pregnant, was also killed. Investigators later revealed that Taylor had been in a relationship with Carlissa, though the exact motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Further Violence: Stabbing and Burglaries
While homicide detectives were processing the scene of the double homicide, officers received reports of three first-degree burglaries at an apartment complex in the same area. Investigators discovered that multiple apartment doors had been forcibly kicked open.
They also found a 30-year-old male victim who had been stabbed multiple times. The victim was not connected to the earlier shootings but had allegedly confronted the suspect, who is believed to be Taylor. Taylor allegedly chased and stabbed the man, before fleeing into a nearby wooded area.
Standoff at a Gas Station
At 1:42 a.m., police responded to a call from a gas station where an employee reported that a man matching the description of the stabbing suspect had stolen alcohol and threatened employees with a bloody knife.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Taylor walking east from the gas station, still carrying two large blades. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapons, Taylor ignored the officers and continued advancing.
Police Attempt to Subdue Taylor
Officers attempted several less-lethal methods to stop Taylor, including using pepperballs, a bean bag launcher, pepper spray, and a Taser. However, Taylor continued to pose an imminent threat. At one point, Taylor threw a knife that struck one officer, though no injuries were reported. Given the escalating threat to officers and nearby residents, a police officer was forced to discharge their firearm, striking Taylor.
Taylor’s Death and the Ongoing Investigation
Taylor received first aid at the scene and was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Oklahoma authorities currently believe that Taylor may have been responsible for all the incidents, including the double homicide and the stabbing of the 30-year-old man. Detectives are still working to confirm the exact sequence of events and are interviewing witnesses and collecting additional evidence.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone with information to contact Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS. The community is urged to provide any tips that might help piece together the events leading up to Taylor’s death.
