STILLWATER, OK – A tragic shooting in Stillwater has claimed the lives of two individuals and left one injured, with the suspect now in custody following a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies.
At approximately 1:14 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, the Stillwater Police Department (SPD) responded to reports of gunfire in the 200 block of W. Elm Avenue, near South Husband Street, close to the Oklahoma State University campus. Upon arrival, officers discovered three victims at an apartment complex.
Vanessa Henry, 38, and Andrew Rice, 35, both residents of Stillwater, were found with fatal gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. A third victim, Carman Murphy, 34, also of Stillwater, sustained at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she remains in stable condition.
**Suspect Identified and Apprehended After Standoff**
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Theodore DeMarrio McCloud of Langston, Oklahoma, fled the scene before Stillwater police arrived. Later that day, the Langston University Police Department (LUPD) located McCloud at a residence in Langston. As officers approached, McCloud exited a vehicle and fired multiple rounds at LUPD officers, who returned fire. No officers were injured during the exchange. With assistance from multiple agencies, McCloud was taken into custody without further incident.
**Ongoing Investigations**
The Stillwater Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive, which has not yet been disclosed. Formal charges against McCloud are pending and will be submitted to the Payne County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has taken over the investigation of the officer-involved shooting in Langston. Further inquiries regarding that incident should be directed to the OSBI.
**Community Impact**
The shooting, which occurred less than a mile from the Oklahoma State University campus, has shaken the Stillwater community. While no college students were involved, the proximity to the university heightened local concern. Residents expressed shock at the violence in their neighborhood. “When I heard this morning, it was very scary, because I have people I love all around here, and it was really, really sad,” said Joshua Graves, a Stillwater resident. Another neighbor, Dylan Kuzmic, described waking to police lights, initially mistaking them for a thunderstorm.
Vanessa Henry and Andrew Rice were well-regarded in their community, remembered for their kindness and contributions. Their loss has left a profound impact, and support services are being provided to their families and loved ones. Carman Murphy continues to recover, surrounded by support from family and friends.
**Official Statement from SPD**
“The arrest of Theodore McCloud provides some relief, but our focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and thoroughly investigating this tragic incident,” said Lt. T.J. Low of the Stillwater Police Department. “We are grateful for the swift response and collaboration of the Langston University Police Department and other agencies in apprehending the suspect.”
**Contacts for Information**
Stillwater Police Department – Public Information Office
(405) 372-4171
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) – Officer-Involved Shooting
(800) 522-8017
This incident marks one of the most significant acts of violence in Stillwater this year. Authorities are committed to pursuing justice for Vanessa Henry, Andrew Rice, and Carman Murphy while keeping the community informed as the investigation progresses.
