DEL CITY, Okla. — A 17-year-old boy is facing a first-degree manslaughter charge after police say he fatally shot his mother’s boyfriend during an altercation at an apartment complex, while the boy’s mother was also arrested over what authorities say happened after the shooting.
Police were called to the Oakridge Village Apartments early Sunday following reports of a disturbance involving yelling and objects being thrown. As officers were responding, a caller reported hearing five gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found 44-year-old Casteal Buckhanan suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital for emergency treatment but later died from his injuries.
Argument Escalated Into Fatal Shooting
According to investigators, Buckhanan had been involved in an argument with his girlfriend, identified in reports as Randi Edwards. Edwards subsequently contacted her two sons and asked them to come to the apartment to help her gather her belongings and leave.
Police said that after the sons arrived, another disturbance developed and continued for several minutes. During the confrontation, the 17-year-old allegedly fired multiple shots at Buckhanan.
Investigators believe the teenager may have believed he was protecting his mother. However, police said they do not believe there was a direct threat to Edwards at the moment the shots were fired and stated that the teenager’s actions did not meet the legal definition of self-defense.
Mother Accused of Helping After Shooting
Authorities also allege that Edwards took actions after the shooting that resulted in her arrest.
Police said nearby video showed Edwards allegedly encouraging her sons to leave the scene following the shooting. Investigators also said she discarded firearms and other evidence in a wooded area while leaving.
According to police, Buckhanan had placed his own firearm on a table before the disturbance. Investigators said Edwards had possession of that firearm during the confrontation and later discarded it in the woods. Police also said the firearm allegedly used in the shooting was discarded.
Edwards was arrested Thursday and booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on an accessory-to-a-felony complaint. The teenager was taken to a juvenile detention facility.
Teen Faces First-Degree Manslaughter Charge
The 17-year-old is facing first-degree manslaughter and a firearm-related charge, according to police. Because he is being handled as a juvenile rather than charged as an adult, authorities have not publicly identified him. He is expected to enter Oklahoma’s youthful offender program.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against both the teenager and his mother will be addressed through the court process. An arrest or criminal charge is not a finding of guilt.
