Former Supreme Court Attorney Murdered

Tulsa Police are investigating the city's 19th homicide of 2008. 

Wednesday, June 25th 2008, 7:23 am

By: News On 6


A Tulsa woman was killed inside her home on Wednesday morning. Detectives say the homicide investigation is filled with twists and turns. Her husband says an intruder came in and shot them both with their own gun. He has an injury to his hand and was released from the hospital before noon.

News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports people had very nice things to say about John and Lori Kastner, about his dedication to his students at Webster High School where he teaches English and about her volunteer spirit in the community.

They have two children, who were home asleep during the shooting.

Officers say John Kastner called 911 around 4 a.m. They say he told them an intruder came into their home and demanded to see the teenage girl they'd taken into their home as a daughter and when they told him she wasn't there, the intruder shot Lori Kastner in the head several times.

They say John Kastner said he struggled with the intruder and was shot in the hand. Police say the murder weapon belongs to the couple.

Neighbors were awakened by all the sirens.

"My heart goes out to the kids, because I have three children myself and I've seen them playing several times and the first thing that came to my head last night, the children," said Candie, who is a neighbor of the Kastner's.

Police have interviewed more than 15 people connected to the couple so far and say this early in the investigation, they must look at all possibilities.

"It's like having a thousand piece puzzle and right now we have 50 to 100 pieces to it," said TPD Sgt. Mike Huff.

John Kastner is an English teacher at Webster High School and former athletic director and coach. Lori Kastner was an attorney for the Oklahoma Supreme Court until about a month ago when she left to take a non-profit job.

Those who know them, say they were active members of the community.

"It's a story of involvement, they were here a lot, very attentive to their children, they were involved in activities, fundraising, special projects, he was on the board of the school houses here, she was also involved in those activities and the congregation," said Barry Abels.

Police say Kastner told them the family was leaving for Israel on Wednesday. Officers found the family's passports in the street when they arrived at the home. They say they will be working on this case around the clock and if anyone has information about Lori Kastner's homicide, they will follow up leads, 24 hours a day.

Anyone with information about this crime should call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.

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