Two violent deaths have recently rocked the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, both believed to have stemmed from separate domestic disputes. The incidents, which occurred just two days apart, highlight the growing concerns surrounding domestic violence.
The first incident, counting as homicide #8 for the city this year, occurred late Sunday night, around 10:00 PM, at a northside apartment complex located at 2300 block of NW 22nd St. According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to reports of a stabbing and found 38-year-old Joshua Stewart with severe stab wounds lying outside the door of Apartment #219. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital. After the stabbing, police officials noted there was someone inside the apartment who initially refused to answer the door. Following the acquisition of a warrant, officers forcibly entered, arresting 39-year-old Latoya Hollis, who was later booked for obstruction of justice.
"He was transported to OU Medical Center where he was pronounced dead," reported MSgt. Gary Knight with the Oklahoma City Police Department. The incident reflects the stark reality of domestic violence, ending tragically for Stewart. This incident marks another somber moment for the city, as officials now tally homicide #8 for 2024.
Just two days later, on Tuesday night at approximately 11:00 PM, officers responded to another violent scene, this time at 1700 Homa Avenue. There, they found Henry Soloman, 36, critically wounded from gunfire. Similar to the earlier case, he was rushed to the medical center but, sadly, was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Investigators quickly determined the shooting resulted from an altercation between Soloman and his roommate, 41-year-old Reyon Bruner.
Regarding this incident, MSgt. Knight stated, "Bruner was taken...into custody at the scene." After thorough questioning, he was booked on charges of Murder in the First Degree, marking the second homicide within just days and the ninth for Oklahoma City for 2025.
Both cases are now under the jurisdiction of the District Attorney’s Office, which will decide whether formal charges will be filed against the suspects involved. The Oklahoma City Police Department has urged anyone with information pertaining to these tragic events to contact their Homicide Tip-Line at 405/297-1200, emphasizing the need for community support and vigilance.
It is important to note, as mentioned by law enforcement, the legal framework under which America operates: every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty before a jury of their peers or through a plea of guilt. This principle remains particularly poignant as families deal with the aftermath of such violent tragedies.
The increasing rate of domestic violence is alarming, and community leaders are calling for renewed efforts to address the root causes of such disputes. Support networks for victims, education programs on healthy relationships, and accessible resources are all necessary to confront this pressing public safety concern.
With incidents like those of Joshua Stewart and Henry Soloman, it is clear the effects of domestic violence can have dire consequences and ripple through families and communities. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice is served and, equally important, to work on preventive measures so fewer families face the trauma of losing loved ones to violence.