Victim In Leonard Double Shooting Lived To Help Others, Friends Say

Lori Fullbright, News On 6

TULSA COUNTY -- Tulsa County deputies are making progress in the investigation of a double shooting near Leonard, south of Bixby, Monday night.

Ed Brown, 59, died when he was shot outside his home in the 14800 block of East 171st Street.

Deputies found Brown's stolen truck near Lake Bixhoma Tuesday afternoon and are combing it for evidence. But they haven't found the shooter yet.

1/18/2011 Related Story: Truck Found In Monday's Deadly Shooting Near Leonard

Ed's friends describe him as selfless; a man whose word was gold and a man who helped others, no matter what the cost to himself.

"Four days ago, I called him. He heats his house with wood, to make sure he had enough for the cold spell. We had cut two ricks two months ago, but he had given all that wood away to people who didn't have heat, so he had no wood for himself," Kelly Cox said.

Ed was a fixture at the Leonard Foursquare Church, where he mowed the grass, tended to the pecan trees and made repairs, once working all night to fix a leak and clean up the mess before Sunday services.

"It's very much like losing a family member," said Don Stiltner.

Pastor Don Stiltner said he never met anyone like Ed, who would give money to people in need, even when he didn't have any to spare; a man who could work on any motor.

"He was an incredible mechanic," Don said. "He could fix anything from farm equipment to motorcycles to lawn mowers."

Don can't imagine why anyone would murder Ed in his own yard Monday night. He says the day before, Ed told him he was going to help a woman get into a shelter.

Deputies say a woman was also shot, but survived. They are patrolling the area and don't believe this crime was random.

1/17/2011 Related Story: Tulsa Deputies Search For Suspect In Deadly Double Shooting

"It's specific to the victims," Corporal Jeff Organ, with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, said. "It's not a guy wandering around the woods, shooting people."

Ed's family is left now with memories of him, beginning back when he was a small boy who grew into a quiet, helpful man, proud of his Creek heritage. Friends are trying to stay positive.

"I was shocked, but I know Ed's in heaven now, walking in total joy and I find comfort in that," Kelly said.

Deputies describe the gunman as a white man, in his 50's, about 5'10," and 155 pounds.

If anyone has any information that will help catch Ed's killer, they can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 596-COPS.