“It’s preliminary to determine what the motivation was behind this. If the evidence supports that, and we believe that we can prove the elements of a hate crime, that will certainly be considered at the appropriate time.”
Local police and FBI agents say it’s premature to call the shooting spree in Tulsa, Okla.'s predominately Black north Tulsa a hate crime.
In the media, much attention is being paid to 19-year-old Jacob England, one of the two shooters who confessed this week, and whether he was motivated by revenge for his father’s death[2]. Two years prior, prosecutors say Englad's father was fatally shot by a black man. Records show it was self-defense.
One of the surviving victims of the Good Friday Shootings, Deon Tucker, has encouraged his fellow Tulsans to move on[5]. "I don't want revenge," he said. "I don't believe in revenge. That just leaves more people dead."
Helping and Honoring the Victims and Families
[6]
Source: Tulsa World[6]. Tulsan Krystal Tattershall places a memorial on Monday at the scene where her neighbor Bobby Clark was shot to death. MIKE SIMONS / Tulsa World
Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry announced Monday[7] that it has set up a fund to benefit the families of the five shooting victims. Tax-deductible donations will be divided evenly among the five families. To help or to get more information, contact Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry at 918-582-3147 or via email at info@tumm.org[8].
A community march and memorial this Sunday, April 15, will honor the victims: Dannaer Fields, Bobby Clark and William Allen. The remembrance will begin at 7 p.m. at the McLain Shopping Center on 5200 North Peoria. Organizers said, “A loss for one is a loss for all. Let’s stand together in the spirit, of love, community, and respect for those who were senselessly murdered in our community.” Community members are encouraged to bring flowers and candles.
[6]