Jury Finds Man Guilty Of Shooting, Killing Tulsa Barber

Tulsa man charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a barber last year has been found guilty.

A jury returned the guilty verdict Saturday morning in the trial of 24-year-old Dezmen Smith and recommended a sentence of life in prison.

Court records show his jury trial began on March 2 and the case went to the jury on Friday at 5 p.m.  The jurors reached their verdict eight hours later at about 1 a.m. 

Smith was arrested by police after the February 2015 shooting. Police said it stemmed from a feud between two Tulsa gangs.  

Police said Smith and another man shot at rival gang members inside a barber shop on North Sheridan. The gang members inside shot back and a barber, Keith Liggins, an innocent victim was killed.  

A second barber in the shop at the time was also wounded in the gun battle and his wife told the News On 6 he has had five surgeries and continues to go to physical therapy three times a week. 

She says this crime has changed their lives but they are surviving, their children are happy and they feel blessed he is alive.

2/13/2015 Related Story: Gang Member Arrested For Fatal Shooting Has Violent Past