High-Powered Rifle Used To Gun Down Yukon Father

Court filings are shedding light on the tense moments that led to a metro man's death.

In early July, William Birdtail, 49, was shot multiple times in a Yukon neighborhood, in front of his wife and two children.

According to Birdtail’s friends, on the night he was killed Birdtail went to a neighbor's home to defend his son. Reports show things turned physical and Birdtail was gunned down with a high-powered assault rifle.

“It appears that victim was in some type of altercation with another person there, just outside of a residence,” said Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Dillon Quirk.  

Court filings show Ramari Boone-Haye, 21, and William Birdtail, 49, were fighting in a quiet neighborhood street. As Birdtail got the upper hand reports show Boone-Haye asked someone to retrieve his gun, a "Micro-Draco style assault rifle."

Witnesses told police Boone-Haye pointed the gun at Birdtail, who then grabbed the barrel. Witnesses said the victim told Boon-Haye "he wasn't going to shoot him."

 According to investigators Boone-Haye "chambered a round,” and shot the victim in the face.

Neighbors woke to the sound of gunfire and called 911.

With the victim lying on the ground police said Boone-Haye shot him multiple times. Officers heard the gunshots.

Scarred asphalt serves as a permanent reminder of what unfolded just feet from neighbor's homes.

One neighbor told News 9 she watched from her window in horror as Birdtail's wife called out to him and then held him crying.

Police arrested Boone-Haye at the scene. When questioned he told investigators multiple people were hitting him in the face and head when he called for his gun. He stated while "he was very upset he was being assaulted, he " never felt his life was in danger."

Records also show after the victim was shot multiple times, Boon-Haye hit him in the head with the barrel of the gun.

According to Birdtail’s friends, he will be laid to rest Thursday.