Author Archive

Oklahoma City police ask public to help identify robber

Police are looking for a man who stole a handgun and $1,000 from the Public Auto Auction in Oklahoma City earlier this year.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300.


Former University of Oklahoma All-American signs with Tulsa Shock

Former University of Oklahoma women’s basketball All-American Courtney Paris has signed with The Tulsa Shock, the team announced Monday.
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Rodney King found dead in California Sunday

A man whose videotaped police beating in 1991 led to one of the worst race riots in history has died.

The New York Times reports that Rodney King died at age 47 Sunday.  He was found dead in a swimming pool at his home in Rialto, Calif.

Mr. King, whose life was a roller coaster of drug and alcohol abuse, multiple arrests and unwanted celebrity, pleaded for calm during the 1992 riots. More than 55 people were killed and 600 buildings destroyed in the violence.

In a phrase that became part of American culture, he asked at a news conference, “Can we all get along?”

An autopsy is scheduled Monday to determine King’s cause of death.

King photo by Matt Sayles: This April 13, 2012 file photo shows Rodney posing for a portrait in Los Angeles. King, the black motorist whose 1991 videotaped beating by Los Angeles police officers was the touchstone for one of the most destructive race riots in the nation’s history, has died, his publicist said Sunday, June 17, 2012. He was 47.

Riot photo by Paul Sakuma: This April 30, 1992 file photo shows smoke rising as fires like this one near Vermont Street burn out of control in Los Angeles. Rodney King, the black motorist whose 1991 videotaped beating by Los Angeles police officers was the touchstone for one of the most destructive race riots in the nation’s history, has died, his publicist said Sunday.


New pretrial date set for former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper charged with rape

A new pretrial court date has been set for a former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper charged with second-degree rape.

Patrick Venable, 28, is accused of raping a Guthrie woman while on duty June 20. He was ordered to stand trial after Special Judge R.L. Hert Jr. ruled April 4 that there was enough evidence presented at the preliminary hearing for Venable to face trial in district court.

His attorney, Carl Hughes, wrote in an email that Venable plans to proceed with a trial. He said he is still waiting on discovery materials from prosecutors before the case can move forward.

Another pretrial date has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 17, Hughes said.

Photo by Paul Southerland: Former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Patrick Venable talking with his attorney outside a courtroom during his preliminary hearing at the Payne County Courthouse in Stillwater Monday, Jan. 23, 2012.


Reporter interrupts Obama during immigration announcement

President Barack Obama announced Friday that his administration would block deportations of young undocumented immigrants who moved to the United States as children.

During his speech at the White House Rose Garden, Obama scolded a reporter from the Daily Caller after the man interrupted the president to ask a question.

The next time I prefer you let me finish my statements before you ask that question,” Obama said.

 


News outlets ask Supreme Court to allow live coverage of health care decision

The Huffington Post reports that media outlets are asking the Supreme Court to allow cameras in the courtroom to cover the decision on President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.

According to the report, this could be the first time cameras are allowed in the court if the request is approved.

What do you think about the request? Would you watch the live coverage?

Photo by J. Scott Applewhite: This Jan. 25, 2012 file photo shows the Supreme Court Building in Washington. 


Oklahoma County authorities target underage drinking, alcohol sales

Oklahoma authorities are teaming up to target underage alcohol sales and drinking for the remainder of June.

The Oklahoma County Metro Alcohol Task Force will perform compliance checks at bars and convenience stores to make sure employees aren’t selling alcohol to minors. (more…)


Share your NBA Finals story

Reporter Zeke Campfield is looking for Oklahoma City Thunder fans in Cleveland and Miami Heat fans in Seattle for a weekend story he’s writing. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit for the piece, email him at zcampfield@opubco.com.


News coverage of the NBA Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled out a win against the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA Finals Tuesday night. To help with sports coverage, news reporters pitched in to help cover the atmosphere inside the arena.

Read more about their experiences inside the arena and interactions with fans and facility staff before the players stepped onto the court.

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Wife of George Zimmerman arrested on perjury complaint

 

NPR reports that the wife of George Zimmerman has been arrested on a complaint of perjury for making a false statement during her husband’s bond hearing.

Shellie Zimmerman, 25, was arrested Tuesday. Her husband, George Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

Zimmerman’s bond was revoked earlier this month after officials said he deceived the court about his finances.

The shooting death of Martin in February attracted national attention and led to protests around the country. On March 25, Oklahoma residents gathered on NW 23 and Classen Boulevard to raise awareness about his death and demand justice for his family.

Seeing this scenario, it hits home. Ethnic and racial injustice happens,” said Jason Quaynor, 23, of Norman. “It’s not just for Trayvon Martin. It’s for all their voices to be heard at the same time.”

Read more about the protest here.