Tulsa World: Killing stuns neighbors

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Killing stuns neighbors
Two of the couple's children, ages 9 and 15, were inside the home at the time.

Webster High School graduate Stephanie Weygandt, 20, (right) wipes away a tear during a candlelight vigil for Lori Kastner, who was shot to death early Wednesday, and her husband, John Kastner, a teacher at the school. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World

By NICOLE MARSHALL AND ANDREA EGER World Staff Writers
Published: 6/26/2008 2:17 AM
Last Modified: 6/26/2008 2:23 AM

Watch a video of the scene and an interview with Tulsa Police Officer Leland Ashley. www.tulsaworld.com/videos

Two of the couple's children, ages 9 and 15, were inside the home at the time.

A woman was shot to death in her home early Wednesday by an intruder with a gun that belonged to her and her husband, the husband told police.

Lori Kastner, a former attorney for the Oklahoma Supreme Court, was shot several times in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, Webster High School teacher John Kastner, was treated at a hospital for a wound to his hand and was released, according to police.

Two of the couple's children, ages 9 and 15, were inside the home in the 3800 block of South Union Avenue when the shooting occurred about 4 a.m. Wednesday but were not injured, Officer Leland Ashley said. The couple's home is directly east of Webster High School, 1919 W. 40th St.

John Kastner, 50, told police he woke up to see a man inside his house, Ashley said. He said he struggled with the intruder and that the robber fatally shot Lori Kastner, 44, in the head and also shot John Kastner in the hand with the couple's gun.

Kastner told police that the intruder apparently was looking for an acquaintance of the couple's 19-year-old daughter, who was not at home. He described the assailant as a dark-complexioned white or American Indian man in his late teens or early 20s and about 6 feet tall.

He may have been driving a white 1990s-model sport utility vehicle.

"We are very busy gathering many facts and looking at many directions in the case,'' Homicide Unit Sgt. Mike Huff said. "We have many more answers to obtain.''

Candie Chronister, a neighbor who lives across Union Avenue, said she met the Kastners during the winter ice storm.

"I have never seen any disturbances over there. They seem like a fine couple,'' Chronister said.

She awoke to firetrucks in her neighborhood early Wednesday and watched as the street was cordoned off and police detectives arrived and began interviewing neighbors.

She said she initially heard that the attack was motivated by robbery but then heard that the intruder was looking for the oldest daughter and fired the gun in a rage.

Police were interviewing several people Wednesday as they attempted to piece together the facts of the case, Huff said, but no arrests had been made by late in the day.

Lori Kastner started working at the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals in November 1995 and moved to the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2005. She left her job as a judicial assistant to Justice Tom Colbert in May.

Chief Justice James Winchester released the following statement Wednesday:

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Lori Kastner. She was a dedicated and diligent attorney who worked for the Court for more than a dozen years — first for the Court of Civil Appeals and then for the past three years for the Supreme Court. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this most difficult time."

Tami Marler, a spokeswoman for Tulsa Public Schools, said John Kastner is an English teacher at Webster.

He also served as a coach and co-athletic director until he voluntarily stepped down from those extra duties during the spring semester, Marler said. District records show that he has worked for the school district since 1990.

His students said they were shocked to hear of Lori Kastner's slaying and his injury. Matt Mitchell, a Webster football player who will be a junior next school year, described John Kastner as a "great guy and great coach.''

Mitchell had met Lori Kastner at school events and described her as "the nicest person I have ever met.''

Kristy Fleming, who will be a sophomore, said John Kastner "always spoke his mind, and it really seems that he thrives off other people's opinions,'' she said.

Fleming said she learned what happened when she awakened to find several text messages on her phone.

"He lived right next to school, and he always made it a point that everybody could stop by anytime. Even though he wasn't my teacher, everyone who lives in this neighborhood is in a daze," she said.

Recent Webster graduates Kara Thomas and Justin Chuculate spearheaded a candlelight vigil for the Kastners Wednesday night at the Webster practice football field. Hundreds of people attended.

Chuculate, a multisport athlete in high school, said Lori Kastner was very supportive of Webster's athletes and was very family oriented.

"It's really heart-breaking, and there's nothing you can do about it," he said of her death.

Thomas said Lori Kastner "was just real soft-spoken and nice to everybody. If anybody needed anything, she was the mom to get it."

Gary Akin, now president of the Owasso Chamber of Commerce, was listed as a reference on John Kastner's 1990 Tulsa Public Schools job application.

Akin said he knew both of the Kastners and their parents, who still live in Owasso, through his previous work as a banker.

"I knew them around the time when they got married and were dating," he said of John and Lori Kastner. "Obviously they were a solid couple; they've been together many years."

George Giffin, a physical education teacher, said John Kastner is well-respected by his students and known by his colleagues to be helpful.

"He's not just after the job but trying to help kids do the right thing and do well," Giffin said.

Barry Abels, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, said the Kastners' were known for being involved in many aspects of the community and with their children. They were members of congregation B'nai Emunah.

Kastner's death is the 19th homicide investigated by Tulsa police this year.

Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 596-COPS. The Crime Commission offers rewards for information that leads to an arrest, and callers can remain anonymous.

World staff writers Kelly Hines and Matt Barnard contributed to this story.

Nicole Marshall 581-8459, Andrea Eger 581-8470
, andrea.eger@tulsaworld.com By NICOLE MARSHALL AND ANDREA EGER World Staff Writers

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	Report Comment oldrustytulsa, (6/26/2008 4:47:21 AM) These are very dangerous times, we live in now, whether on the street, at work, or in your home,One should always be aware of the people in ones surroundings , No one area of town, or certain places of occupation are entirely safe, We must be vigilant I hate to have to live this way, but, one never knows or can be certain they are safe, and secure, even in one home.,
	Report Comment Devon Landman, (6/26/2008 9:07:44 AM) This is a horrible loss! But, lives could have been saved if it wasnt for the gun! Just imagine what a safer place this world would be if we didnt have guns in it!
	Report Comment ddp, (6/26/2008 9:31:04 AM) Folks, your democratic way of thinking has you confused. "People" kill people. Guns do not kill people. Who is to say that if a gun were not present at the home that some other weapon would not have been? A ball bat, crow bar, knife, etc. could have been used as a deadly weapon yielding the same result as a gun. While we are outlawing those evil, nasty guns; shall we also outlaw the evil Louisville Slugger and the kitchen knife as well? Come on folks, listen to what you are saying. My heart goes out to the family. This is so senseless and tragic. I hope that the family will be comforted in every way possible during this horrible time.
	Report Comment Michael Phillips, Tulsa (6/26/2008 9:35:45 AM) I don't think the honor system works well in our society. There are people who given a chance to rob, or rape, will do it and if the opportunity arises to kill somebody, they might consider that a bonus. I don't know exactly what happened in this case, but I read an article every month that the NRA publishes called "The Armed Citizen". It describes in detail how people have used their second amendment rights the way they were intended to be used, and saved lives. Reading that article would be an education for some people.
	Report Comment Devon Landman, (6/26/2008 9:58:40 AM) DDP, LOL, it would be alot harder to kill someone with a louisville slugger and or a kitchen knife than a gun! Maybe you need to listen to yourself, cause I know that 99% of the people would rather take on a knife or a bat, than a gun! I would rather take my chances on a bat or a knife than a gun anyday, and dont tell me you wouldnt either! Mike-of course the NRA publishes articles like that, would you think that the would say otherwise LOL! I mean what does the NRA stand for and believe in????
	Report Comment Michael Phillips, Tulsa (6/26/2008 10:02:39 AM) The Supreme Court just handed down an opinion in favor of private ownership of guns for self defense. This five to four decision is a first.
	Report Comment Devon Landman, (6/26/2008 10:05:35 AM) It doesnt take a genius to figure out that the NRA is going to publish something in favor of guns! Thats like when the tobacco industry was saying that smoking was good for you! Some people will just believe anything they read!
	Report Comment defiance, (6/26/2008 10:05:49 AM) While we’re at it BAN all motor vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, etc. Death rates from these are much higher than firearms. As hard as it seems to understand, this was a message from God people: lose all motor vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, etc. God bless this family is these most difficult times....
	Report Comment Michael Phillips, Tulsa (6/26/2008 10:13:21 AM) Devon, of course a gun is a superior weapon, but in my house, I want the person having the superior weapon to be me. Guns aren't going to go away. The only thing you can do about it is to advocate for laws that make it impossible for law abiding people to own guns. Does that sound like an improvement. As of this mornings decision it might be that you have to advocate for the Constitution of United States be amended.
	Report Comment Shooter, Tulsa (6/26/2008 10:13:32 AM) If the government was to ban guns and make it illegal to posses them that wouldn't stop the violent crime. All the law abiding citizens would turn their guns in but the criminals wouldnt turn their guns in. Most people have guns to protect themselves from ruthless intruders like this moron who killed this poor lady. Proud Democrat you are right if there were not any guns around people wouldnt be shot, but there is no way to make all the guns disappear. Bad people are still going to have them making good people defenseless. Anyway this is a tragic story and I hope they catch the person who did this.
	Report Comment Ben, (6/26/2008 10:13:37 AM) There is a lot of data out there regarding the affects of a handgun ban. Countries that ban handguns usually see a drastic reduction in murder rates. On the other hand, these countries generally have a much higher rate of home invasion and home burglary, with accompanying injuries and deaths.
	Report Comment Mr. Brown, (6/26/2008 10:52:33 AM) This story is extremely fishy. Did the kids see the guy, too?
	Report Comment defiance, (6/26/2008 11:10:24 AM) DEVON -- I mean what does the NRA stand for and believe in???? Other than protecting the 2nd Amendment and hunter rights. How about---NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program. This program doesn’t teach children that guns are good or bad but promotes the protection and safety of children. What to do if they, the children, come across a firearm: "If you see a gun: STOP! Don't Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult." How about---the NRA's Law Enforcement Training Endowment. Provides the law enforcement community with a "certified" and standardized law enforcement firearm instructor training program. How about---the NRA’s College Scholarship Foundation. College scholarships speak for it. How about---the NRA’s Youth Program. Promotes gun safety and proper use of firearms. How about---the NRA’s Youth Education Summit in Washington D.C. Encourages the youth to become active, knowledge citizens and the importance of their active participation in governmental affairs. By the way, 7-day all expenses paid by the NRA….. How about---I’m a lifetime member of the NRA.
	Report Comment NEOkie, (6/26/2008 11:32:54 AM) I'm with Mr. Brown. This whole thing stinks. There will probably be a lot of "developments" within the next few days. Can't hardly think this was just random rage--or that there was a gun just casually lying around for an intruder to conveniently find... My family has always kept guns, but we don't leave them on the kitchen counters or anywhere in plain sight........ There is something rotten in Denmark....uh, Tulsa.....
	Report Comment michael andrew, (6/26/2008 12:41:53 PM) her we go again....."if there werent handguns, lives wouldnt have been lost"....how ill informed are you people? the perfect example is washington d.c....you arent allowed to own a handgun & yet, they have the highest murder rate in the country. if it werent for the good guys carrying guns, only the bad guys would have them. i suspect that neither victim in this horrible crime had the proper training to fire a gun & protect themselves! when they outlaw guns, we can bet that there will be a liberal in the whitehouse!
	Report Comment RockBoston, (6/26/2008 12:47:53 PM) GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE, PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE. Why is that so hard for some people to understand?
	Report Comment michael andrew, (6/26/2008 1:19:30 PM) they have a hard time with common sense rock. these are the same people that think wars are fought for oil instead of freedom!
	Report Comment AShort, (6/26/2008 2:28:52 PM) Devon..My 24 year old niece and 7 month old great-niece were murdered last year. The murderer hit my 24 year old niece in the head at least seventeen times with a hammer (according to the autopsy report) and then set her on fire. My sweet little great-niece was burned to death after he set her on fire. So to your point about taking on a weapon other than a gun is not always correct. I've thought several times that I wish he would have shot both of them so it would have been quicker than beating her in the head with a hammer and then setting her on fire when she was still alive. He was at her house from 4am until 10am torturing them. When the fire department arrived they pulled them out of the house. My niece still had a heart beat, but my great niece was already dead. So, therefore, I've bought myself a gun to protect myself from these monsters in the world.
	Report Comment RockBoston, (6/26/2008 2:34:56 PM) AShort Very sorry for your loss. I think it is very brave of you to post a nrew and differnt point of view on this issue. Did they catch the &(^#%$#^ that did this to your family?
	Report Comment what, tulsa (6/26/2008 2:37:39 PM) Lets not forget the most important thing here...three children just lost their mother and an innocent attorney was murdered. In a few months when the children are reading the blog they do not want to read about a gun debate, but kind words to help them through their loss.
	Report Comment AShort, (6/26/2008 3:01:28 PM) Rock- Yes, they did catch him. We are going to trial this fall since he plead "not guilty" after giving his video-taped confession to the homicide detective without an attorney present. My thoughts do go out to the family and children because it is a horrific tragedy and I know what they are going through. It is hell!
	Report Comment magus_dee, Parsons (6/26/2008 3:03:36 PM) I'm thinking the person who'll be arrested for the crime's named in the story already.
	Report Comment rjb, Claremore (6/26/2008 3:44:59 PM) I have seen this show before on Lifetime. I think it is really sad to be blaming the 19 years old friends at this time of loss of her mother.
	Report Comment rjb, Claremore (6/26/2008 3:46:59 PM) One more comment I am wondering what angle the bullet entered the womans face or head, and what angle did the bullet go thru the mans hand? I am sure the detectives have considered that.
	Report Comment Mrs. G, Fort Worth (6/26/2008 4:09:27 PM) Your right the killer is named in the article it is "a dark-complexioned white or American Indian man in his late teens or early 20s and about 6 feet tall" Get a life people and stop speculating about a wonderful couple that you did not know at all. I have known John for 14 years and he was very much a devoted family man and coach. Your students support you Coach K!

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