Gang killings have Tulsa Police working overtime

Tulsa Police suspect the double homicide of a couple is actually a gang's way to show retaliation against two of the couple's sons. <br><br>The sons found Ples and Shelly Vann shot to death inside

Tuesday, February 24th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Police suspect the double homicide of a couple is actually a gang's way to show retaliation against two of the couple's sons.

The sons found Ples and Shelly Vann shot to death inside their home on East 50th Place North late Monday. Police say the parents had no criminal ties and he worked for Tulsa County jail. But officers had served a search warrant at their home in December because two of theirs sons, Quantee and Lawrence Tennyson [picture of all three Tennyson brothers], who also lived there, were suspects in another homicide.

Tulsa Police Sgt Mike Huff: "The man and woman, he was employed, she has always cooperated. It seems this killing crossed a line and we're concerned."

A court affidavit says Ron Woods; a Hoover Crip gang member was shot to death about a block away from the Tennyson brother's home on November 22nd. The Tennyson's are members of the rival gang, Neighborhood Crips. Police say three days later, buddies of Woods shot at a buddy of the Tennyson brothers, but missed.

Tulsa Police suspect since that retaliation effort failed. The Hoover Crips decided to try again and this time, succeeded by killing the Tennyson brothers' parents.