OKC Police Investigating First Homicide Of 2025: Why A Suspect Was Released

New Details in First OKC Homicide of 2025

Police released new details on Monday about a deadly weekend shooting in far west Oklahoma City. Police have not arrested anyone for the death of 41-year-old Shawn Lawrence.

Investigators took the suspected shooter into custody on Saturday, but police officials said he was released after questioning. The Canadian County District Attorney’s Office will determine if charges are warranted.

Related: Deadly Shooting Under Investigation At Home In SW Oklahoma City

Neighbors React to Crime Scene

It was a crime scene neighbors told News 9 off camera they never expected to see on their street near Southwest 44th Street and County Line Road. Neighbors said the family at the home under investigation moved there a few months ago and they did not know them. 

“This was a very isolated incident,” said Sgt. Rob Robertson, Oklahoma City Police Department.

Someone called 911 to report a shooting at this home Saturday morning. Responding officers found Lawrence dead inside the home. 

“Officers got here and determined there was some sort of gathering,” said Robertson. “There were several people at this residence.” 

Fight Leads to Deadly Shooting

Witnesses told investigators there was a fight that broke out between the victim and several people in the house.

Police say one of the people involved in the altercation had a gun and shot Lawrence. It was not clear if the motive for the shooting was self-defense, police said that was something the Canadian County District Attorney will investigate. Police did not release the suspected shooter's name because he was released from custody. 

According to information released by police, the victim died the day after his birthday. Police did not say if the gathering at the home was for his birthday. Police said officers have responded to the home before but not for a disturbance. In November someone reported property stolen from the home.