Police Identify Body Found In East Tulsa

Tulsa Police say they've identified the body found in east Tulsa on Thursday morning.

Investigators said a homeless person found the male body on a trail near South 129th East Avenue and 11th Street.

Homicide Sgt. Dave Walker said he thinks the body was dumped there. Initially, detectives said they thought the victim might have died of a drug overdose, but further investigation changed their minds.

Walker said there was blood on the victim's shorts and back of his head. He had "at least one" gunshot wound, Walker said.

Police received a call at about 9:13 a.m. about the body was found. Walker said the body was discovered by a homeless person who lives in the area.

Walker said the area has extensive trails normally used by ATV riders.

Homicide detectives believe the victim's body was dumped from a car because it was lying on a trail but shows no indication of being struck by a car or run over. Detectives struggled to identify the body because there was no wallet or identification.

"No evidence to speak of. The body has no identification, no cell phone. Does not appear to have been beaten prior to the shooting," he said.

TPD lab personnel took fingerprints but said they did not provide an identification of the body. 

Police released photos of the victim's clothing, shoes and necklace in hopes that someone would recognize him.

He had no tattoos and was wearing a multi-colored Miami t-shirt, turquoise gym shorts covering neon green shorts, white Nike Air Foamposite Pros and a brown beaded necklace.

Police said that after they released the pictures and descriptions they were able to identify the body. Walker said the family had been notified but that police were continuing to withhold the name for now.

The sergeant also said there are no suspects or motives at this time.

Walker said it's likely everything unfolded overnight and urges anyone who saw unusual activity near the 11th Street and 129th East Avenue area Wednesday night to speak up.

"You might have just questioned what the heck they were doing. It's possible they were fleeing the scene of a murder," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the TPD or Homicide Tip Line at 918-798-8477.