Teen Murder Suspects Raise Concerns

Two killings, allegedly carried out by teens, have some wondering why?

Monday, April 7th 2008, 7:33 pm

By: News On 6


Tulsa Police are close to making an arrest in a fatal shooting over the weekend.  News On 6 anchor Terry Hood reports an arrest warrant was issued on Monday for 16-year-old Austin Duncan.  He's a suspect in Saturday's shooting of a 22-year-old man. The killing comes less than a month after another Tulsa teen was charged with murder.  It has some wondering why it keeps happening.

Anguish and disbelief filled the air at Park Plaza Apartments Saturday night.

"He was good people. He was real good people," said the victim's mother, Laura Robles.

Police say 22-year-old Joshua Jordan was shot and killed in the parking lot.

The suspect is 16-year-old Austin Duncan. 

He is the second teen in a month to be suspected of murder in Tulsa.  The other is 14-year-old Montoya Harris who is accused of killing her classmate, 13-year-old Sydney Dailey.

The number of juveniles arrested for murder in Tulsa has stayed relatively the same over the past three years.  With three arrests in 2005 and 2007, and six in 2006.

"It grieves my heart," said Lewis Bumpers of Tulsa.

Lewis Bumpers has been working with teens since the mid 1980's.

"This is where they come and have lunch, do their homework," said Lewis Bumpers.

The Community Action Resource Association is a place for kids to hang out.  And enjoy a little home-cooking.

"They sit, they talk, and they just fellowship," said Lewis Bumpers.

That fellowship is important, Bumpers says.  He believes teen violence can be curbed by giving kids an outlet with activities that challenge their minds.

"If you don't give them something to do, they'll find something to do and most of the time it's something that you don't want them to do," said Lewis Bumpers

The most recent cases serve as a reminder, Bumpers says.   But, he's quick to point out; the violence has always been there.

"I think the wake-up call came ten years ago not just this week, not just last month. The wake-up call has been around for a long time it's just that a lot of people are sleeping," said Lewis Bumpers.

A memorial service for Joshua Jordan will be held at 2:00 on Wednesday afternoon at Southern Hills United Methodist Church.  His family has also established a fund to help pay for funeral expenses. Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch.

Find more stories on NewsOn6.com's Local News page.

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