Okmulgee County Shooting Leaves Teen In Critical Condition

Wednesday, June 13th 2007, 4:02 pm

By: News On 6

A teenager is fighting for his life in Okmulgee County Wednesday evening. The 17-year-old was shot 10 times. It happened in Schulter, south of Okmulgee. Okmulgee County investigators say the shooting victim, Justin Burgess, and his girlfriend were visiting another friend who had just had surgery. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports that's when the trouble began.

"The father had come home and asked him to leave. He left,â€ said Chief Criminal Investigator James Poulin. â€œApproximately 15 minutes later, the victim and his girlfriend were called by cell phone and asked to return back to that residence saying that she had been assaulted by her father."

Poulin says when the teen went back to the front door, a shoving match started and the victim was shot on the porch.

"He was shot approximately 10 times, eight times in the front area including the arms and chest area and two times in the back," Poulin said.

Burgess was taken in a private vehicle to Okmulgee's hospital and was later flown by helicopter to Tulsa.

Burgess had just finished his sophomore year at Schulter High School. Teachers can't believe what happened.

Gwyneth Ayres is Schulter's librarian and teaches several classes.

"We just need him back at this school next year. I'm looking forward to hearing that he's doing a lot better and I will be praying for him," Ayres said.

Investigators say the shooter is 38-year-old Jesus Bustos. He hasn't been arrested, while investigators determine if the shooting was justified. They don't believe Bustos is a flight risk because he's lived in Schulter and has had the same job for 20 years.

A small caliber handgun was recovered at the home. Investigators also found a knife at the scene, but are not sure if it belonged to the teenager.

Watch the video: Teen Fights For His Life After Being Shot 10 Times