A tragic shooting at a Wingstop restaurant in Lawton, Oklahoma has led to a first-degree murder charge against a teenager. Newly released court documents reveal details about what investigators say was a drug deal that turned deadly.
Teen Charged in Deadly Shooting
According to authorities, Jaylen Carter, 17, from Cache, Oklahoma, has been charged with first-degree murder. He is currently being held at the Comanche County Juvenile Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.
Police were called to the Wingstop location in the 7200 block of NW Cache Road after receiving a report of a deceased teenager inside the restaurant’s bathroom.
Victim Found in Bathroom
When officers from the Lawton Police Department arrived, they found 15-year-old Dominik Papatu inside the bathroom with a gunshot wound to the right side of his face. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The discovery led to an immediate investigation into what had happened inside the restaurant.
Alleged Drug Deal Turned Violent
Detectives later spoke with an eyewitness who said he had gone to the restaurant with Carter to meet Papatu. According to the affidavit, Carter planned to buy “drank,” a term used for codeine cough syrup.
The witness told police that while they were waiting for food, Papatu asked them to go into the bathroom. Once inside, both Carter and Papatu reportedly pulled out guns.
Events Inside the Bathroom
The affidavit states that the witness claimed the two teens began passing the guns back and forth “like they were playing with a new toy.”
According to the witness, Carter then pointed a gun at Papatu and demanded that Papatu give him his weapon. When Papatu refused, Carter allegedly shot him.
The witness said Carter then turned the gun toward him, prompting him to leave the bathroom and exit the restaurant.
Eyewitness Contacted Authorities
After leaving the scene, the witness reportedly went home and contacted his mother, who then called 911. He also provided police with a possible address for Carter in Cache.
This information helped authorities move quickly in locating the suspect.
Suspect Located and Taken Into Custody
Deputies with the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office were alerted and located Carter in Cache. He was then escorted to the Lawton Police Department.
According to investigators, Carter told officers he had taken sleeping medication, so no formal interview was conducted at that time.
Surveillance Footage Supports Witness Account
Detectives obtained surveillance footage from the Wingstop, which they say supports the eyewitness account. The video reportedly shows Carter, Papatu, and the witness entering the bathroom together.
After a short time, the footage shows the witness leaving first, followed by Carter shortly after.
This tragic case highlights how quickly a situation can escalate into violence. What investigators believe began as a drug-related meeting ended with the death of a 15-year-old.
With strong witness testimony and surveillance footage, authorities have moved forward with serious charges against the suspect. As the case continues through the legal system, the focus remains on uncovering the full truth and ensuring justice for the victim and his family.
