Former Edmond Memorial Basketball Star Shot To Death

A former Edmond Memorial High School basketball star was found shot to death inside a northeast Oklahoma City hotel room Wednesday afternoon.

As the investigation was heating up, the victim's father talked to News 9 about his sudden loss. Police say a man, who family members identified as 21-year-old Blayke Ladd, was killed at the Lincoln Inn Express hotel near NE 50^th St. and Lincoln Blvd.

"He was my baby boy," Blayke's father, Art Ladd Jr. said. "[He was] an excellent basketball player. As a matter of fact, he received a basketball scholarship out of high school."

Art, who works for the US Postal Service as a letter carrier, knew something was wrong when his son failed to meet his attorney, Tony Coleman, for an arraignment hearing. Blayke was due at the Oklahoma County District Courthouse by 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. But, police say he was already dead.

8/14/2013 Related Story: Man Killed At SE OKC Hotel Was Due In Court

"When we didn't see [Blayke], we immediately … began looking for him," Coleman said.

While Blayke was a success on the basketball court, he found trouble in courts of law. Legal records show the basketball star was going down the wrong road of drugs and theft, but family members and friends say he was a good son and father.

Coleman says Blayke was temporarily staying at the hotel. Art says his son had a bright future playing basketball at Park University near Kansas City.

"Whoever did this, just turn yourself in," said Art.

Police have not yet released suspect information. People with information on the case are urged to call the homicide tip line at (405) 297-1200.