Suspect search continues in east Tulsa homicides

The search for a killer continues. Tulsa Police are working around the clock to find a man who shot two people in cold blood this weekend inside a convenience store. <br><br>Motive in this case is as

Monday, September 16th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The search for a killer continues. Tulsa Police are working around the clock to find a man who shot two people in cold blood this weekend inside a convenience store.

Motive in this case is as elusive as the suspect. News on Six crime reporter Lori Fullbright says the owner of the store had a wife and two small children, a seven year old and a 10 month old. His family spent the day making funeral plans.

As did Sterling Mullis' parents, Sterling was their only son and worked in the family business. He just happened to stop by the store for a Gatorade and some cigars; he died after trying to stop the shooter.

Mohammed Rahaman owned this business for the past eight years, his friends called him Sonny. His English may not have been perfect, but, the love for his family was... and so was his kind nature. Tracey Sudberry, Victims' Friend: "So personal, nice, always smiling, a very caring gentleman."

Tracy got to the store even before police and tried to help Sonny and Sterling Mullis, but their gunshot injuries were just too much. So, he and some friends created an impromptu candlelight memorial in memory of the two men. Tracey Sudberry: "It was awful, a horrifying scene and ruthless with no purpose behind it."

Police want to know the purpose too. Sonny had reported a robbery a few weeks ago and it aired on a Crimestoppers piece a few hours before the shootings, so, they're looking into revenge as one possible motive.

Tulsa Police Sgt Mike Huff, "We donâ€™t' know if he was targeted for a business reason or maybe a personal situation." Police recovered the store's surveillance videotape and are getting it enhanced to better see the suspect and hear what was said before the murders.

What police can see on the video so far is a man five-feet-10 or shorter, slender build, dark complexion, no glasses or facial hair. They're also looking for this man's get-away driver.

I talked with Sterling Mullis' parents, who don't feel comfortable talking on camera or giving us their son's picture until this case is solved. They told me he loved hunting and fishing and had just started taking kickboxing lessons.

They say he touched so many lives and was always looking for a way to help others.