Broken Arrow Police Address Rise In Murder Suicides, Domestic Violence

Broken Arrow Police have had three murder-suicide investigations since last October, where 12 people have died.

Police say domestic violence is by far the number one call they get. That's why they are teaming up with DVIS for a six-month domestic violence awareness campaign. Police say they had nearly 2,400 domestic violence calls in 2022 and they are on pace to have even more this year. They say they want to stop this trend and say there are lots of places people can get help.

Broken Arrow Police say this week, a man shot and killed his wife and teenage son, then shot himself. He is still in the hospital in critical condition. In January, they say a man shot and killed his wife inside their home. And, last October a mom and dad shot and killed their six kids, before killing themselves.

"There are two situations this year alone that have dealt with a violent domestic situation. We don't have random crimes that turn violent in this city. This is a primarily safe city,” said Ethan Hutchins with Broken Arrow Police:

Police say domestic violence calls make up the majority of the violent crime that happens in Broken Arrow. They say they responded to 2,342 domestic calls in 2022 and since January 1st of this year, they've had 862.

"I think oftentimes the calls our officers go on could possibly be prevented if those resources are being utilized by the citizens involved in these situations,” said Hutchins.

Broken Arrow Police has teamed up with DVIS for a campaign to bring awareness to the help available. They will be posting about the resources on social media, possibly wrapping a patrol car to bring awareness to domestic violence and holding community meetings with experts and victims.

"We have seen with the increases in fentanyl overdoses the need for education. This is kind of the next topic that is really impacting our department, our city, is domestic violence,” said Hutchins.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, help is available 24 hours a day. That number is 918-743-5763.