Okemah Family Stunned After They Say Loved One Murdered By Relative At Family Gathering

An Okemah family is stunned, after loved ones said a relative was shot to death in front of them during a gathering.

Family members told News On 6 31-year-old Timothy Buckley was killed Aug. 7 by another relative, who has not been caught.

The victim's family said the man was shot multiple times near South 9th and West Birch Streets. They said what makes the death even more horrific is that several people saw their son, brother and uncle die.

Eugenia Holahta is preparing to bury her son.

"This was my baby,” said Holahta.

Holahta said her youngest child was turning his life around and enjoyed spending time with family. She said that was what he was doing when he was killed.

"It's just traumatizing,” said Holahta.

Timothy's sister, Elizabeth Buckley, said the night of the murder, Timothy was at her Okemah home with their mom and other family members. Witnesses reported suddenly, Timothy and one of their cousins, were talking in the street, and then that escalated to Timothy being shot at least seven times.

"After he shot, my brother fell, and I just ran to my brother, tried to help him,” said Elizabeth. “When I looked, he ran down the block."

Family said even children saw Timothy killed by his cousin.

"It hurts,” said Elizabeth, while sobbing.

The family said the pain is even more unbearable as their cousin is still on the run, and the FBI is looking for him.

"I just hope he turns himself in, and we just want justice," said Holahta.

Authorities still have not released any information on this case, which is why News On 6 refrained from naming the suspect.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Greenleaf Baptist Church in Okemah.