Tulsa Police: Man Arrested In Connection To 2011 Cold Case

TULSA, Okla. - Tulsa police said they arrested a suspect connected to a 2011 murder.

People who knew Peggy Gaytan said she was always a bright spot whenever they would go to their neighborhood Shell station. They said an arrest is a step toward closure.

"Even if none of what we did helped, it was something we needed to do because it happened in our neighborhood," said Jennifer Harmon.

Harmon, alongside her neighbors and friends, held vigils and memorials every year to make sure Peggy Gaytan was never forgotten.

Peggy was a clerk at the Shell station near 36th and Harvard, a place people in the neighborhood go to almost daily.

"She would want to know how you're doing and what's going on," Harmon said.

Days before Christmas, in 2011, two men captured on surveillance video at the Shell. Police said the men went inside and killed Peggy within just a few seconds.

Police said they've arrested Patrick Hamstard for first-degree murder and attempted robbery. Police said the second suspect is dead.

"Because you still lost a friend that passed away from a senseless murder, but knowing your friend has justice and this person is in jail, that feels very good and makes me very happy," said Brandon Whitebook.

Whitebook said he knew Peggy and now works at the same gas station. He said he gets questions all the time about her murder and said this arrest is the start of getting justice for his friend.

Harmon says she hopes everyone can begin to heal, especially Peggy's adopted granddaughter, who was only 5 when the murder happened.

"Let's hope the granddaughter has some closure and can remember her grandmother at Christmas a different way," said Harmon.

Records show Hamstard served time in prison in 2014 for drugs, guns and stolen property convictions.

He's being held without bond in the Tulsa county jail.