TULSA, Okla. — Authorities arrested a man in connection to a double homicide early Wednesday morning, according to the Tulsa Police Department.
Tulsa police said they arrested 37-year-old Howard Peeples on two counts of murder.
Around 4:30 a.m., police said the call came in from a 12-year-old child who said two people had been shot. Police confirmed the two people were an aunt and her niece.
Police said there were four other children in the home near Pine and Peoria at the time of the shooting. Their ages range from infant to preteen.
Jeanne Pierce with TPD said they believe the shooting is "most likely going to be a domestic violence situation." Pierce later confirmed Peeples is the aunt's boyfriend.
Police said they were able to track down Peeples near the Gilcrease Expressway and North Peoria Avenue. Peeples was taken into custody without incident.
2 Works for You learned Peeples has previous convictions for child abuse and weapons violations.
Family members said the victims were 31-year-old Shawntell Dean and 16-year-old LaVell, who’s last name we don’t have. According to sources, Peeples had been in an on-and-off relationship with Dean for years.
Pastor Frankie Asberry, Dean’s cousin said she has seen signs of domestic abuse but never thought it would lead to this.
“No matter how much you love somebody, if they give you those red flags, please listen to those red flags, because it could mean life or death,” Asberry said.
The Violence Policy Institute ranked Oklahoma as the third highest for the number of women killed by men; a statistic that doesn’t sit well with Tracey Lyall of Domestic Violence Intervention Services.
“That’s something we still as a community need to grapple with,” Lyall said.
If you, or someone you know, is dealing with an abusive relationship, Lyall said D.V.I.S. can help. Advocates are available 24 hours a day to answer calls on their 24-hour information and crisis line: 918-7HELP-ME or 918-743-5763. You can also schedule an appointment with an advocate by CLICKING HERE.
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