Suspected Tulsa Killer Accused Before

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa Police homicide detectives are searching for a man known as Man-Man on the streets.  They say George Ballard is their prime suspect in a murder that happened on Tuesday.  It turns out Tuesday's death is the second murder Ballard has been accused in and he's only 18 years old.

In 2005, Demetrius Terry was 26 years old, married, the father of five and loved to play bingo.  On December 12th, he dropped the kids off at school and had taken the day off so he could get the radio fixed in a Chevy he was re-doing.  He and the man helping him hopped in a car to go get something when gunfire erupted.

"They jumped out of the bushes and started shooting," said Demetrius' father, Melvin Terry.

The shooters were aiming for the passenger, but Demetrius was hit four times.  His father arrived at the hospital just as the ambulance did.

"I said, ‘Metrius, it's gonna be alright son, don't give up, don't give up.  Gonna be alright," said Melvin Terry.

But, Demetrius didn't make it.  Three people were arrested, 18-year-old Robert Haskins, a 16 year old and a 14 year old.  Haskins was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Demetrius' sister says the 16 year old was given three years, but the 14 year old, George Ballard, was sentenced to one year probation. 

04/28/2009  Related Story: Tulsa Police Looking For Homicide Suspect

"At the time I was crying and asking why you give this boy a year probation for murder? He's not learning nothing with that," said Princess Greene, Demetrius' sister.

Ballard is now 18 and is charged with another murder.  This time the victim is Colby Harris who was killed at the Brightwaters Apartments on Tuesday.

"I feel if something had been done when he was 14, he wouldn't be in trouble now, right, with somebody else's child now dead," said Melvin Terry.

Terry says it's time juveniles face the consequences of their actions and maybe then, we'd see less violence.

"If they are old enough to carry a gun and use a gun, should be tried as an adult. Once that starts happening, some of the killing may stop," said Melvin Terry.

For now, Demetrius' family can only hold on to their memories of him and enjoy the son who is the spitting image of his father.

Tulsa Police ask anyone who knows where George Ballard is to call 911.