Tulsa World: Local, State Briefs

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Local, State Briefs

By Staff Reports
Published: 11/5/2009 2:33 AM
Last Modified: 11/5/2009 4:58 AM

Electrical fire at mobile home displaces family

TURLEY — A family of four lost its mobile home to an apparent electrical fire Wednesday morning.

A woman and her two young children were in the home when the fire started but escaped unharmed. The structure was a total loss, Tulsa Fire Department spokesman Bill French said.

The trailer was in the Park Meadow Estates in the 6200 block of North Yorktown Avenue.

Speaking through an interpreter, Blanka Blessaro said she was cooking for her two children, Angel, 4, and Jonathon, 2, when she heard a loud noise by the front window about 10:15 a.m.

They ran out to see fire engulf the trailer in a matter of minutes. The family had lived there for about seven months, she said.

Kim Barnett, the manager of the mobile home park, said the fire began when a malfunctioning electrical meter was being serviced.

Barnett has another trailer where the family can stay temporarily. They will find a way to get some furniture and toys for the children until they can get back on their feet, she said.

"We'll see what we can get together for them," Barnett said. "They'll have some place to live."

— SHANNON MUCHMORE, World staff writer

Tulsa crash victim ID'd; motorcyclist also killed

Police have identified a man who died Monday evening in a Tulsa traffic collision, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has reported the death of a Catoosa woman in a LeFlore County motorcycle crash.

Dead are

David Cacy, 44, of Tulsa and Debra A. Childress, 39, of Catoosa.

Cacy was killed in a collision in the 18100 block of East Admiral Place just after 5 p.m. Monday, authorities said.

He was in a gray sedan that was eastbound on Admiral when it swerved into oncoming traffic and hit a Ford F-150 pickup head-on, reports indicate.

A toddler who was in a car seat was removed from the car by firefighters and was taken to a hospital to be checked for injuries. Two people who were in the pickup also were taken to hospitals.

Childress was riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle east on the Talimena Drive about a mile east of U.S. 259 about 12:20 p.m. Wednesday when her motorcycle left the road, flipped and struck a tree, according to the OHP.

Troopers said Childress, who was not wearing a helmet, died at a Fort Smith, Ark., hospital.

— FROM STAFF REPORTS

Claremore woman missing, in danger, her mother says

CLAREMORE — A Claremore woman is worried that her daughter hasn't tried to get in touch with family members in more than a month.

Gwen Noble filed a missing person's report with the Rogers County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 28 concerning her daughter, Dustie Dawn Sikes, 27, of Claremore.

Noble claims that Sikes hasn't been heard from or seen since an off-duty deputy saw her with her boyfriend, Matthew Jason Brown, on Oct. 2 in Chelsea, Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton said.

At the time, Sikes appeared to be with Brown voluntarily, Walton said.

Brown, 23, is charged with domestic assault and battery in connection with a Sept. 20 assault on Sikes. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and his bail is set at $50,000.

Noble believes that Brown is holding her daughter against her will because of threats Brown has made against her family, Noble told the Sheriff's Office.

Sikes could be driving a silver 2001 Chevrolet Impala with a red scrape on the driver's side and a dented front.

Sikes is white, 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has dyed blonde hair and blue eyes.

— RHETT MORGAN, World staff writer

OKC pharmacist must stand trial in teen's killing

OKLAHOMA CITY — A pharmacist who fatally shot a robber was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on a first-degree murder charge.

The ruling by Oklahoma County Special Judge Greg Ryan came at a preliminary hearing at which he watched two surveillance recordings of the shooting May 19 at the Reliable Discount Pharmacy in Oklahoma City.

District Attorney David Prater told the judge that pharmacist Jerome Jay Ersland's actions were "nothing less than an execution."

Defense lawyer Irven Box argued that Ersland should face trial only for first-degree manslaughter.

Evidence shows that Ersland, 58, of Chickasha shot Antwun "Speedy" Parker once in the head and five times in the chest and abdomen. Parker was 16.

Parker and an accomplice, Jevontai Ingram, then 14, tried to rob the store of drugs and money at the direction of two longtime criminals, prosecutors allege. A pharmacy employee testified Wednesday that one yelled at Ersland, "I'm going to shoot your ass."

Prosecutors say the pharmacist went too far when he fired the last five shots because Parker was unconscious, unarmed and no longer a threat.

Ersland contends that he was defending himself and two female employees.

— FROM THE OKLAHOMAN

Two inmates are charged in separate prison killings

McALESTER — In separate cases, two inmates have been charged in the deaths of other inmates in McAlester prisons.

Jesse James Dalton, 33, has been charged with first-degree murder in the March killing of his cellmate, Paul David Duran Jr., at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.

Duran had testified against Dalton at Dalton's murder trial, at which a jury convicted him of fatally shooting Billy Wayne Ray, 19, during a 2002 Oklahoma City home-invasion robbery.

The two men were prohibited from sharing a cell, but neither man protested about the cell assignment, an affidavit states.

Duran died "by strangulation and compression of the neck by blunt force," records show.

Dalton told two investigators from the Department of Corrections' Internal Affairs Division that Duran would not quit fighting with him, so they fought until Duran was dead, according to an affidavit.

"Dalton did not intend to kill Duran; it just happened," the affidavit states.

In a separate case out of the minimum-security Jackie Brannon Correctional Center, Phillip L. Moreland, 30, is charged with first-degree manslaughter on allegations that he helped another inmate inject drugs. The other inmate, Tony Fowler, 50, died.

Moreland is now in the Cimarron Correctional Facility in Cushing, records show.

— JOHN YATES, World correspondent By Staff Reports

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Some reader comments for this story were copied from "Two prison inmates charged in deaths of fellow prisoners," which was published on 11/4/2009.

	Report Comment RomeosTune, Tulsa (11/4/2009 7:45:38 PM) These people eh? I ride a Harley and I wear a helmet. The majority of people I ride with also wear helmets. They are getting more in fashion and that's good. As far as the comment about Harley's being cool. Yep, they are and that's a fact. I've never felt any pressure to go w/o a helmet. lol
	Report Comment RomeosTune, Tulsa (11/4/2009 8:07:10 PM) ttr! You are very correct. You don't see the folks on Harley's doing wheelies and stunts typically. It's always a sad thing when something like this happens.
	Report Comment Mar, Tulsa (11/4/2009 11:46:38 AM) Thank goodness, no one was hurt.
	Report Comment Few Clothes, America (11/5/2009 1:04:14 PM) Come on friends. Don't be so up in arms about justifying you so called God given rights to ride your motorcycles. I've gone down with a helicoptor that was shot down, and I still don't feel comfortable on a Harley due to the other drivers. Condolences to Debra's family and loved ones.
	Report Comment ttr1975, Sand Springs (11/4/2009 7:58:12 PM) I was going to keep quiet, but couldn't. I ride a Harley. I wear a helmet every time I ride. RomeosTune - you are correct - what is wrong with taking pride in what you drive or ride? My opinion is that my Harley is the nicest motorcycle on the road, and other Harley owners probably feel the same way about their own motorcycles. I feel that Harley owners are significantly more cautious about safety and responsibility than crotch-rocket owners (strictly an opinion). Are there irresponsible Harley owners? Yes. Are there irresponsible car drivers? Yes. It is a persons choice as to whether or not they wear a helmet. Some accidents would result in death whether or not a helmet is worn. It is a risk that we as motorcycle riders take each time we go for a ride. Rest assured, all motorcycle riders are well aware of the dangers of riding without a helmet. In Oklahoma, it is the riders choice whether or not to wear one. Life is full of risks, and I'm fairly certain most of the motorcycle rider bashers entertain themselves by doing something risky every once in a while. So how about you quit stomping on this persons grave and maybe offer some condolences or prayers instead? She undoubtedly died while doing something that she enjoyed.
	Report Comment FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (11/4/2009 7:54:22 PM) My condolences to the family and friends.
	Report Comment Newsmax, Tulsa - MidTown (11/4/2009 6:37:33 PM) The Murder-cycles have claimed another victim! My condolences to her poor family!
	Report Comment grizz, tulsa (11/4/2009 7:51:25 PM) Condolences to the family. Shame on the smart cracks.
	Report Comment grizz, tulsa (11/4/2009 8:09:47 PM) Well said, ttr1975,
	Report Comment paprika, teahas (11/4/2009 2:15:07 PM) World peas, If you are going to comment on something you know nothing about, stick to politics as usual.
	Report Comment paprika, teahas (11/5/2009 10:01:12 AM) Oh..sorry peas.
	Report Comment Corvetteguy, Tulsa (11/4/2009 9:17:42 PM) Now's not the time to talk motorcycle safety. My condolences to her family & friends.
	Report Comment 2ndjoyce, BA (11/4/2009 7:38:54 PM) I wonder if the scenery created too much of a distraction.... it is absolutely beautiful along that drive. My prayers to all those who are feeling the loss of this loved one.
	Report Comment okie ridgerunner, Small Country Town State Line (11/4/2009 10:17:20 PM) My condolences to her family and friends.
	Report Comment minedurown, (11/4/2009 7:39:23 PM) Wow nuffsaid should learn to respect people and thier family and keep negative comments to his/her self. I see people that are not on Harleys that arent wearing a helmet. Sure you may not agree with it but you should respect the dead and thier family now thats a nuffsaid. R.I.P. Deb ..........RIDE ON INTO THE SUNSET GIRL......
	Report Comment Four Sixteen Rigby, Tulsa (11/5/2009 5:32:41 AM) A picture of Sikes would be helpful.
	Report Comment Four Sixteen Rigby, Tulsa (11/5/2009 5:37:35 AM) Good grief, what kind of parent with the surname Dalton (i.e. the Dalton Gang) goes ahead and names their son Jesse James? Some parents need a repeated high velocity application of my size 10 boot right up their posterior.
	Report Comment nuffsaid, Tulsa (11/5/2009 5:05:02 PM) minedurown & ttr1975, I am sorry that I felt I had to send the posting that I sent. I am truly sad for Debra's family and friends. My sincere thoughts and prayers. Yes, there are a lot of motorcyclists that ride all brands and don't gear up properly when riding a 465 to 1800 lb. motorcycle. When I went to the Blues, Bikes and BBQ in Arkansas this summer which is a HD mostly event 90% of all Harley riders sported doo rags, chaps, T-shirts and halter tops. No full face helmets or armored leather jackets on one....not one! And there were 500,000 bikers and at least 80% were mounting a HD. I just wish for all of the HD riders that feel pressured not to wear helmets (and no I don't mean the half helmets with the stupid stickers or the Nazi hats that offer almost no protection)for your sake just show up on the next poker run with a real helmet and some serious riding gear. You might get the rest of the heard to stop and think. Harleys are great bikes just not my style. Please ride safe. Let's minimize the hazards! Busa, FZ1 & VFR Interseptor rider
	Report Comment marlin, (11/4/2009 8:11:58 PM) Wear a helmet, live another day.
	Report Comment yorkie_dude, Tulsa (11/4/2009 11:01:49 PM) I agree that the vast majority of Harley riders are responsible and courteous. Crotch rocket riders could learn a thing or two from Harley riders.
	Report Comment drugeducator, tulsa (11/4/2009 8:18:13 PM) ttr1975 - thank you so much for summing it up so well. I've ridden both with and without a helmet. It's America and in Oklahoma we still have free choice. I've ridden BMW's, Triumph's and wheels of choices HD's. I ask myself where are these people's hearts to judge and say negative things when someone passes - she is riding with angels and the beauty she was passing through in those hills rests with her always.
	Report Comment mayor_maynot, Tulsa (11/4/2009 12:01:07 PM) Looks like it was a flashflood of fire.
	Report Comment Heidi, (11/5/2009 9:03:06 AM) So sorry to Debra's family. We grew up together, and our sons are best buddies. We will do what we can for Zach, and send our deepest sympathy.
	Report Comment Whirled Peas, (11/4/2009 1:23:28 PM) By "serviced" you mean "disconnected". AEP was out there pulling the plug on them.
	Report Comment Whirled Peas, (11/4/2009 10:11:08 PM) Fox23 reported the meter was being disconnected at the time of the fire.

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