Tulsa Woman Speaks Out On Nephew's Death

TULSA, OK -- The aunt of a high school freshman who was shot and killed moments after he stepped off his school bus is speaking out.

Tulsa Police say the murder of 16-year-old Jacob Barnes is gang related. Barnes was shot in the head, back and neck after he got off the bus in the area of 33rd and North Lansing at about 4:45 p.m. Friday.

Barnes' family is trying to cope with their grief.

"Jacob was very popular. I didn't know a person who didn't like Jacob," said Carla Mackey, Barnes' aunt.

Jacob Barnes loved sports and dreamed of being an electrician, like his father. He was a freshman at Memorial High School and was just a few credits short of starting sophomore classes.

He was shot in front of other children as he walked to his mother's house two blocks away.

"It's just sad that, you know, a child is walking home from school to come home and see his mother, he was going to see his mother right after school, and to be shot down, like he was shot down, you know, Jacob didn't deserve this at all," said Mackey.

Police say as Jacob stepped off the school bus, he turned to some friends to say goodbye. His last words were, "You be careful."

"That was Jacob every day. Jacob was just a caring person like that. He cared for others a lot and he always had a smile on his face when he greeted people," said Mackey.

Moments later, witnesses say a gold Chevy Suburban or Tahoe pulled up with four to five males inside. Officers say words were exchanged and then a passenger pulled out a gun and shot Jacob three times. Jacob died a few hours later. The driver was described as having short, dreadlocked hair.

The suspects are considered armed and dangerous, according to Tulsa Police Captain Karen Tipler.

9/25/2009 Related Story: Tulsa Teen Shot After Getting Off School Bus Dies

"Jacob was a good child. He was raised with a lot of love, so he gave a lot of love," said Mackey.

It's unclear if Jacob knew someone in the vehicle, but Mackey says her nephew was never in any kind of trouble.

"He wasn't a follower. Jacob was raised to be a leader," said Mackey.

With the shooters still out there, Mackey is asking the community to help solve this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 596-COPS.

A Tulsa Public Schools spokeswoman says grief counselors will be at Memorial High School Monday morning.