OKC Police End 2024 With 7 Unsolved Murders

Oklahoma City Police end 2024 with seven unsolved murders. While investigators continue to work on the cases, they say the public plays a critical role in making arrests.

February 2024: Few Clues Left Behind

The first unsolved homicide of the year dates back to February. Fred Gordon, 38, was found dead on a sidewalk near Northwest 31st Street and Portland Avenue. Police were left with few clues.

“There’s a variety of reasons cases remain unsolved,” said Msgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department. “Sometimes it’s a lack of evidence, more often it’s a lack of help from people who have information.”

Leaving the victim's families with more questions than answers.

July 2024: Grieving Father Searches for Answers

“I want justice for my son,” said Kermit Spurlock, the victim’s father. “I have to find out who killed him.”

Spurlock’s son 33-year-old Kermit Camel and a woman were found shot to death inside a northeast Oklahoma City apartment in July. Several people were questioned by detectives but no one was arrested.

“They are often the main source of information,” said Knight. “You’ve got a family out there who has lost a loved one and they want answers.”

August 2024: Stray Bullet Kills Former Teacher

However, even the best detectives were left stumped when 72-year-old Kathleen Cade, a former teacher was killed by a stray bullet while she was in bed.

Related Coverage: Family Honors Former Teacher Killed By Stray Bullet

“It’s just very, very weird and kind of scary,” said Geo Martinez, the victim’s neighbor.

August 2024 and September 2024: Plea for Information

The last two unsolved homicides include the deaths of 31-year-old Emmanuel Williams and 20-year-old DaShawn Davis.

“That CrimeStoppers line allows people to leave tips that go directly to investigators,” said Knight. “They leave the tip anonymously and they can also get a cash reward.”

May 2024: Victim Shot At Apartment Unidentified

Police have not identified the victim of a deadly shooting from May 21. Police said the victim was shot at an apartment complex near Southeast 54th and Sunnylane Road.

Police officials said they consistently have an 80 to 90 percent solved rate on homicides, putting the department above the national average.