Police Identify Murder Victim In SW OKC Shooting, Arrest 15-year-old In Connection

New details are unfolding from a murder on Monday that happened near a busy southwest Oklahoma City street. Police announced on Thursday the arrest of a 15-year-old in connection to the killing.

The motive behind the shooting is not clear and 38-year-old Steffon Smith’s family cannot imagine why a teenager would want to harm him.

The scene near Southwest 59th and May Avenue remains fresh in Lisa Williamson's mind. She drove past the crime tape not knowing the victim was her cousin.

“I’m like dang, I'm praying for the family,” said Williamson. “Not knowing it’s my family.”

Williamson grew concerned when Smith never returned home after leaving to go to the store Monday morning.

“He hadn’t come home the next day,” said Williamson. “So, I’m real weary by this time.”

Homicide detectives confirmed Williamson’s worst fear. The victim on the sidewalk was Smith. She described her cousin as a gentle giant.

“Why would somebody want to kill somebody that’s so genuine and loves so hard,” said Williamson. “This man don’t bother nobody. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Williamson said an employee of a business witnessed the entire shooting and shared the graphic details.

“She seen a young man run up on him, shoot him twice in the stomach. She says Steffon fell to the ground,” said Williamson. “He was crawling to get help. She says the dude ran off and then came back and then shot him again several more times.” 

The only peace Williamson has now is knowing her cousin is no longer suffering. 

“He’s with his momma now, you know?,” said Williamson. “He ain’t got to worry, no more suffering. No more worrying. He’s just in a better place, you know?” 

Police arrested the 15-year-old suspect the day after the shooting. He was booked into the Oklahoma County Juvenile Detention Center on a first-degree murder complaint. 

Smith’s family is asking the public to help fund his funeral service. They started a GoFundMe for donations.