Muskogee Police Say Teen Shot, Killed Stepfather To Protect Mother

Muskogee Police are investigating a homicide after officers said a teenager shot his stepdad in order to help save his mother.  

Police said a fight between a woman and her husband at their home, near the intersection of Margaret Lynn Lane and North Edmond Street, turned deadly.

Officers said the woman's 17-year-old son shot his stepdad, Joshua Woods. 

Police said Woods was assaulting the young man's mother.  

"He entered the room where the assault was going on and the stepfather did not stop assaulting his mom, so at that point he took action on his own behalf to protect his mother,” Officer Lynn Hamlin said.  

Hamlin said the mother called 911 and Woods died about an hour later at the hospital. He was 36 years old. Officers don't believe anyone else was involved. 

"There's not someone that's just running around. It was not a random act of violence,” Hamlin said. “It was unfortunate. It was a domestic and a child felt like he had to intervene to save his mom. So, tragic situation.”   

Police said another child was also in the house at the time of the shooting and DHS was called. 

Police did not arrest anyone. The case will go to the district attorney's office next to determine if any charges will be filed.