Attorneys Ready For Trial In Murder Case Against Former Tulsa Cop

<p>Attorneys said they're ready to go to trial in the first-degree murder case of a former Tulsa police officer.</p>

Wednesday, October 12th 2016, 1:33 pm

By: News On 6


Attorneys said they're ready to go to trial in the first-degree murder case of a former Tulsa police officer.

Prosecutors charged Shannon Kepler with shooting and killing his daughter's boyfriend in 2014.

Wednesday, Kepler's attorney turned over a bunch of new documents and findings to the District Attorney's office after the court of appeals ruling ordered him to do so.

Judge Holms reiterated the ruling Wednesday, in what could be the last hearing before they go to trial.

Wednesday, Kepler walked out of the courtroom smiling, despite the judge rejecting several motions by his attorney.

The case has been in the works for more than two years - and after Wednesday's hearing, it's finally headed to trial.

10/3/2016 Related Story: Murder Trial Delayed For Former Tulsa Cop Shannon Kepler

Tulsa County district attorney, Steve Kunzweiler said, "Looks like we're definitely going on October 31st."

Kepler, a former Tulsa police officer, is charged with first-degree murder after investigators say he shot and killed his daughter's boyfriend, 19-year-old Jeremy Lake.

According to court documents, Lake met Kepler's daughter, Lisa, at a homeless shelter.

Kepler and his wife dropped their daughter off at the shelter because of long-standing family problems days before the shooting; a detail defense attorney Richard O'Carroll wanted to be excluded from the trial, saying it shows them in a "bad light." However, the judge did not agree.

"This judge anyway is not going to be deciding guilt or innocence, 12 citizens are going to be more powerful than she is in Mr. Kepler's case and we're looking forward to that," O’Carroll said.

The judge also ordered the defense to turn over findings associated with the potential witness list.

Kunzweiler said, "Obviously what I want is if you have statements from witnesses as the court of criminal appeals has instructed you to turn over then turn it over."

One motion that did rule in Kepler's favor was that jurors will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about the case - much like the procedure during jury selection for the trial of Tulsa County reserve deputy Bob Bates.

Both sides agree with the questionnaire based on the publicity the case has received.

Jury selection will begin at 9 a.m. on Halloween.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

October 12th, 2016

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024