Stephen George Cox – Tulsa County authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Thursday morning, which has now been ruled a homicide following the victim’s death. According to the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), deputies responded to a shooting call just after 11:30 a.m. near the intersection of North Peoria Avenue and East 66th Street North. Upon arrival, officers learned the incident involved three individuals who were acquainted with each other.
Witness accounts indicate that the confrontation began when the victim, identified as 34-year-old Stephen George Cox, accused 24-year-old Jovohn Kadavion Blanke of stealing from him. According to witnesses, the argument quickly escalated, and Blanke allegedly drew a firearm and shot Cox.
During the gunfire, another man at the scene attempted to intervene. While he was not struck directly by bullets, he sustained injuries from shattered glass when rounds hit a nearby vehicle. Emergency crews transported Cox to a hospital for treatment, but despite medical efforts, he later died from his injuries.
Authorities confirmed that due to Cox’s death, the case has now shifted from an assault investigation to a homicide investigation. Blanke, who was apprehended shortly after the incident, is facing updated charges that now include First-Degree Murder. Additionally, he has been charged with Shooting With Intent to Kill and Possession of a Firearm After Former Conviction of a Felony (AFCF).
The TCSO has not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the confrontation or the nature of the alleged theft that sparked the dispute. Detectives continue to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and review any available surveillance footage from the area.
Officials have emphasized that this was not a random act of violence, as all individuals involved knew each other prior to the incident. The sheriff’s office has also reassured nearby residents that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
As the investigation moves forward, prosecutors will be working with investigators to prepare the case against Blanke. Authorities have not announced a court date but have confirmed that he is being held in the Tulsa County Jail.
This incident marks another tragic example of how disputes between acquaintances can escalate to fatal violence. The TCSO has reiterated the importance of contacting law enforcement to mediate conflicts rather than allowing personal confrontations to spiral into deadly encounters.
For now, the sheriff’s office has extended condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Cox while urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward to assist in the investigation.
