Shooting In NW OKC Takes Life Of Disabled Army Veteran

A disabled Army veteran became the latest homicide victim on Sunday in Oklahoma City. Police said 49-year-old Norman Pugh died after he was shot in the back near Northwest 18th Street and Youngs Boulevard.

Pugh’s family said everyone called him Gabe and said they were shocked and left wondering who would have taken his life.  

This weekend was not the first time Sheli Phillips had seen police at the northwest Oklahoma City apartment complex.

“I’m not surprised at all,” said Phillips, resident. “Because they surround that place constantly.”

Police were called to check out a shooting at the complex on Sunday afternoon. When officers got there, they found Pugh with a gunshot wound to the back.

“Upon arrival officers located a shooting victim there in the breezeway of the apartment complex,” said Sgt. Megan Morgan, Oklahoma City Police Department. “He was transported where he was pronounced deceased.”

Pugh's family said Monday he lived in the complex and was loved by his neighbors. Pugh was an Army veteran and served his country for seven years. Pugh survived tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, but it was gun violence at home that took his life.

Neighbors said the complex is dangerous and feared it would not be long until a shooting turned deadly.

Phillips has taken precautions to keep her home safe and would like to see more done to secure the apartments and its residents.

“We’re just trying to keep ourselves safe, our families safe. Live our lives happily and quietly,” said Phillips.

Meanwhile, investigators are following leads to find out who may be behind the city's latest killing.

“Right now, we have no suspects in custody and we’re asking if anybody has information to call us through Crime Stoppers at 235-7300 or the homicide tip line,” said Morgan.  

The homicide tip line is 405-297-1200 and callers can remain anonymous.