Police Release Names Of Suspect, Victim In Tulsa's Latest Homicide

Tulsa Police have released the names of the suspect and victim in the city's latest homicide.

Police Sgt. Dave Walker says the suspect is 57-year-old Steven Retherford of Tulsa. And the victim is identified as 73-year-old Janet Donovan.  

Donovan's body was found by a neighbor Friday evening at her condominium in the 2800 block of East 85th Street.  Police say she had trauma to the head and had been stabbed.

Sgt. Walker said Retherford died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound when confronted by officers early Saturday.

Police said Donovan's 2015 Mercedes SUV was not in the garage and victim’s handguns, jewelry and cash were also missing.

After interviewing several people who knew the victim, Sgt. Walker said investigators determined Steven Retherford was the prime suspect. 

He says at about 11:30 p.m. Friday, an officer located the SUV parked at an apartment complex at 3100 block of East 49th Street.  While watching the SUV, police said Retherford walked outside and was confronted by officers. 

Sgt. Dave Walker said the Retherford put a gun, believed stolen from the victim, to his head and killed himself.

Janet Donovan had an inventory of her valuables and Sgt. Walker said thanks to her meticulous record keeping, they hope to track down all the stolen items.

Sgt. Walker said if anyone had contact with Retherford or was given any item from him since Wednesday night to call Tulsa Police Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS.