Antwan Washington, 46, Fatally Shot in North Tulsa: Community Mourns as Police Investigate Shooting During Sunday Night Gathering
Tulsa, Oklahoma — A quiet Sunday evening in North Tulsa turned tragic as 46-year-old Antwan Washington was shot and killed during a reported gathering at a residence in the 800 block of East 52nd Street North. The shooting occurred shortly after 10:00 p.m. on April 27, 2025, prompting a swift and urgent response from Tulsa Police and emergency medical services. As details continue to emerge, the community grapples with another painful loss to gun violence in a neighborhood all too familiar with tragedy.
Timeline of Events
At approximately 10:03 p.m., multiple 911 calls were placed by neighbors reporting what sounded like a series of gunshots. One caller described hearing “five or six loud pops in quick succession” followed by shouting. Police officers arrived within minutes, entering the single-story residence where the gathering had taken place.
Inside the home, officers found Antwan Washington unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. According to Tulsa Police Captain Mark Simmons, officers administered immediate first aid until paramedics arrived. Washington was then rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Initial reports indicate that the incident occurred during a small social gathering, possibly involving friends and family. Although some individuals remained on the scene to speak with police, others reportedly fled before officers arrived.
Who Was Antwan Washington?
Antwan Washington was a lifelong resident of Tulsa, known among his neighbors for his quiet demeanor and warm smile. According to friends and family, he had a deep love for music, often playing old-school R&B on his porch during summer evenings. He was also a father and a grandfather, described by those close to him as “deeply loyal and protective of his loved ones.”
“Antwan was the type of person who’d give you the shirt off his back,” said Maria Jennings, a longtime neighbor. “He had his struggles like anyone else, but he always showed kindness to the people around him.”
Washington’s death has left his family devastated and the community searching for answers. As word of the shooting spread through social media and neighborhood channels, messages of mourning and support began pouring in. Local churches and community leaders have since called for calm and unity, urging residents to cooperate with police.
The Scene and the Aftermath
Investigators spent several hours combing through the scene of the shooting overnight, using floodlights to illuminate the modest backyard and surrounding alleyways. Crime scene technicians documented physical evidence, including spent shell casings and a partially opened bottle of liquor near the rear porch. Officers canvassed nearby homes for surveillance footage and additional witnesses.
According to Tulsa Police Detective Carla Riggins, one line of inquiry is whether the shooting was the result of a personal dispute that escalated during the gathering. “At this stage, we are not ruling anything out,” she said during a brief press conference. “We are working to piece together the events that led to this tragedy, and we are asking the public for any information that may help us identify those responsible.”
The house, now cordoned off with yellow police tape, remains a chilling reminder of the violence that shattered what was supposed to be a peaceful evening.
A Broader Pattern of Violence
The shooting marks the latest in a string of violent incidents in North Tulsa, a community that has long struggled with the dual burdens of poverty and systemic neglect. Local leaders say the area has faced underinvestment for decades, contributing to cycles of crime and mistrust between residents and law enforcement.
Reverend Darrell Moore, pastor of a church just blocks from the scene, said the community must confront not only the loss of Antwan Washington but the conditions that have made such losses tragically routine. “Every time we lose a son, a father, or a friend to this kind of violence, we’re reminded of the urgent work still ahead of us,” he said. “We can’t afford to be numb to it.”
North Tulsa, often referred to in the context of its history of racial tension and economic inequality, has seen multiple efforts over the years to reduce crime through community policing, mentorship programs, and youth engagement. Still, many say those efforts are hampered by a lack of consistent funding and political will.
Law Enforcement Response and Appeal for Help
Tulsa Police say they are pursuing multiple leads but need the public’s help to advance the investigation. Anyone who was at the gathering or has information about individuals who may have been involved is being encouraged to come forward.
“We know someone out there saw something or knows something,” said Captain Simmons. “Even the smallest detail could be the piece of the puzzle we need.”
To that end, Tulsa Crime Stoppers has reiterated that tipsters can remain completely anonymous when calling 918-596-COPS or submitting information online. Crime Stoppers has also confirmed that reward money may be available for tips leading to an arrest.
Family Demands Justice
In a statement released through a family representative, Antwan Washington’s relatives expressed their grief and called for justice. “We are heartbroken and angry,” the statement read. “Antwan didn’t deserve this. He was a father, a grandfather, a brother, and a friend. We ask that anyone with information step forward and help bring those responsible to justice.”
A candlelight vigil is being organized for Tuesday evening at a local park just a few blocks away from the site of the shooting. The event is expected to draw friends, neighbors, clergy, and activists. Organizers say the vigil will be both a memorial and a call to action.
Community Calls for Action
The local branch of the NAACP and several grassroots organizations have issued joint statements condemning the violence and urging city officials to invest in programs that address the root causes of crime.
“These shootings are not isolated,” said Latrice Benson, a youth outreach coordinator and community activist. “They are the predictable outcomes of neglect, disconnection, and hopelessness. We need real investment in mental health, education, conflict resolution, and jobs. It’s not enough to react to these tragedies—we have to prevent them.”
City Councilwoman Vanessa Hall-Harper, who represents North Tulsa, also addressed the incident in a morning interview. “This is yet another reminder of how far we still have to go,” she said. “My heart goes out to the Washington family. I will continue to push for policies that ensure every resident in Tulsa is safe, valued, and heard.”
Continuing Investigation
As of Monday afternoon, no suspects have been publicly named, and no arrests have been made. Police say they are continuing to review forensic evidence and interview witnesses.
Detective Riggins urged the public to remain patient but vigilant. “We know that justice doesn’t always move as fast as we’d like,” she said, “but we are committed to finding the truth and holding the responsible parties accountable.”
Looking Ahead
The death of Antwan Washington has added another name to a growing list of victims of gun violence in the city. His story, like so many others, now lives on not just in police reports and news stories, but in the memories of those who knew him best.
As Tulsa mourns, the hope is that this moment might serve as a turning point—not just in solving one crime, but in addressing the deeper issues that allow such crimes to occur.
For now, the yellow tape flutters in the wind on East 52nd Street North, a grim symbol of a life cut short, and a community once again called to grieve, remember, and act.
