Family Remembers Man Shot, Killed At Random In Tulsa Library

Lundin Hathcock's family said he was minding his business, using the computer at the library like he does all the time, when this senseless act of violence took his life.

Wednesday, April 19th 2023, 6:20 pm

By: Kristen Weaver

TULSA, Okla. -

Two innocent people are dead after a man shot and killed them Tuesday. One was inside a library, and one was at a QuikTrip.

The man killed at the library was 35-year-old Lundin Hathcock.

His family said Lundin was minding his own business, just using the computer at the library like he does all the time, when this senseless act of violence took his life.

Lundin’s mother and two sisters said Lundin was always at a library. He loved reading and he loved learning.

"We’re kind of numb," said DeeDee Clapp, his mother. "We’ve been at his bedside since as early as we could yesterday afternoon.”

Lundin was on a computer at the Rudisill Library Tuesday morning when Tulsa police said Carlton Gilford shot him in the back of his head, before heading to the QuikTrip and killing James McDaniel.

"It hurts all of us when something like this happens," said Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin. "This random act occurs that we can't explain. This is one of those that we just can't explain."

Lundin’s mother DeeDee Clapp said her son was a selfless man with a big heart.

“He loved the outdoors," she said. "He was such a hard worker and would do any outdoor job he could do.”

She said Lundin loved fishing and riding his bike, had a strong faith and loved God, and he had a passion for learning and for helping other people.

“What happened was wrong -- it was a tragedy,” she said. His family said they are forgiving, but this was beyond senseless. “Just a random act of violence takes his life," she said.

His family said Lundin will save up to eight lives thanks to organ donation; a bright spot in a very dark situation.

“You never know when it's going to be someone's last day," said sister Holly Morgan. "Hug your loved ones, your friends. Let them know you love them.”

The other victim is James McDaniel who was shot at QuikTrip, also for no apparent reason.

A close friend said James was a funny guy who loved his friends and was married.

The suspect, Carlton Gilford, is recovering in the hospital and in custody after what police believe is a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.