Signatures gathered for renewed look into downtown Tulsa death

A Tulsa mother says she hasn't had time to truly grieve the death of her son. Sheâ€™s been too busy fighting for justice. <br/><br/>Shawn Howard died after a fight with a homeless man outside his downtown

Monday, September 27th 2004, 7:10 am

By: News On 6

A Tulsa mother says she hasn't had time to truly grieve the death of her son. Sheâ€™s been too busy fighting for justice.

Shawn Howard died after a fight with a homeless man outside his downtown tavern in June. District Attorney Tim Harris says Terry Badgwell was acting in self-defense when he allegedly beat Howard to death.

According to an eyewitness. Howard took the first swing, then Badgwell allegedly picked up a metal pipe and struck Howard repeatedly.

Howardâ€™s family members have gathered nearly 10,000 signatures from residents who agree the case warrants a second look. Mark Collier, Howard Family Attorney: "This is the type of case that needs to go to a grand jury. I believe the facts support a finding of first degree murder against the individual who did this.â€

Collier says the Howard family will take their petition to the County Election Board.

It will have seven days to validate the signatures, and then a judge will decide whether to convene a 12-member grand jury to look into the case.