Family Of Tulsa Nightclub Owner Shot, Killed Desperate For Suspect To Be Caught

A Tulsa family is calling for justice to put their loved one’s killer behind bars. Jath Burns was killed after trying to break up a fight as his nightclub.

Tulsa Police named a suspect and are looking for him. 

Related Story: Club Employee Shot, Killed trying To Break Up Physical Confrontation

Burns' wife and his kids said he touched a lot of lives and said these past weeks without him have been unimaginable.

Burns' wife Vina Moore says he was well respected and made a huge impact on people. She said the two met a few years ago and opened the Uptown Lounge near 61st and Peoria together.

There is now a memorial at the lounge, in Burns’ honor. People called him "New York." Opening the nightclub was Burns’ dream. Vina said their customers created a real community. 

"We were genuine to our customers," Vina said "They weren't even known as customers, they were family."

Burns’ kids Jathay and Jada, said their dad was always giving them advice--sometimes too much-- and always pushing them to be their best.

"He was a good, loving person," Jada said. "He stuck by our side even though we were hardheaded."

"I realized I should've listened," Jathay said.

In February, Vina said a fight broke out at the lounge and she and Burns tried to break it up. She said a man got angry about Burns getting in the middle of things and followed him outside.

"All I heard was one or two shots, and three or four more after," Vina said.

Tulsa Police named Marquan Marshall this week as their most wanted suspect for the killing. Marshall has been charged with first-degree murder.

"We want somebody or him to say something or turn himself in," Vina said.

Vina and her step-kids said an arrest would give them some peace, but nothing can bring Burns back.

"I'm thinking, why would that happen?" Jathay said.

"I have to wake up every day knowing he's not next to me," Vina said.

If you know where Marshall is, call Crimestoppers at 918-596 COPS.