Father, Son Dead After Argument Leads To Shooting, Osage County Deputies Say

A father and son are dead following a shooting in Osage County along Highway 99 near the Kansas state line, deputies say. Osage County authorities are investigating the shooting deaths and say it appears one man was murdered - the other shot in self-defense by another relative.

Deputies responded to two 911 calls at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, from an address just off Highway 99 near the Kansas line. Deputies found two men dead in the yard; 45-year-old Travis Kirchner and his son, 23-year-old Ty Kirchner.

Deputies believe the older Kirchner was shot numerous times with a rifle by his son. Witnesses told deputies the two were arguing, and immediately after the old Kirchner was shot, another relative intervened and shot the younger man.

“My understanding was the son was in the yard and made some threats to some other relatives and threats to himself and during the incident where they were trying to disarm him,” said Sheriff Eddie Virden, “the gun was pointed at another family member and the third family member acted in self defense.”

The Sheriff said at least four witnesses saw the shooting, outside a group of houses where several families live.

Authorities did not identify the relative who shot the son, and he has not been arrested.

Ty Kirchner was killed with a shotgun, according to the sheriff. The younger Kirchner had many arrests on his record, for burglary, drug possession and driving under the influence. His father had a conviction for assault and battery, but otherwise, the sheriff said, no other problems known to law enforcement.

“It’s just a tragic event” said Sheriff Virden.

The bodies were taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Tulsa, and the Osage County District Attorney will determine if the second shooting was justified.