Latest news with #StillwaterPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘It's unthinkable:' Family of Jerry Silas speaks out after he was killed in Stillwater apartment
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — The family of 43-year-old Jerry Silas is grieving after he was tragically killed in his apartment last Saturday. The Stillwater Police Department arrested 47-year-old Damon Eugene Thomas Sr., for shooting Silas after the two got into an argument at Silas' apartment. His brothers, Ben Vernon and Rich Silas recount the moment they got the shocking call. 'I got up and I called my baby brother, called Rich, and then I called the hospital and the hospital told me that was my brother,' said Verner. 'I got the call and I just, all I could do is drop. I just couldn't believe it,' said Rich. Midwest City man arrested on multiple charges of alleged child pornography The brothers said they grew up in Stillwater and had a very special bond that will be missed. Verner said, 'You really didn't see one of us without the other one, you know what I'm saying? Like, we were really tight.' Rich said it's been very hard and emotional for him. 'I've felt most things I've never felt before,' he added. Silas was a father and respected man in his community taken too soon, the brother's said. 'He was a neighborhood celebrity, I mean like he was a star. Everybody knew him and he had a big heart,' Verner said. Verner, Rich and Silas grew up with Thomas, in disbelief, knowing police arrested him for pulling the trigger. Verner said, 'It's just unthinkable, man.' He added, 'It's kind of crazy to know that somebody you grew up with, you had a sleepover with, ate at their house, could do something like that.' Thomas was arrested in Oklahoma City Monday, facing First Degree Manslaughter charges. Authorities said he also has another felony conviction on his record. The brothers said they hope justice will be served and are now focused on moving forward. 'He got to travel a lot, he got to live a good life. Sad it had to end when it did, but he'll tell you, I lived my life. I lived the good life,' said Silas. Stillwater Police say the investigation is ongoing, with detectives following up on more leads with the potential for additional charges. The family has started a GoFundMe to help with expenses during this difficult time. Click here to donate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Benefit concert to help Stillwater wildfire victims this weekend
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — It's been a week since wildfires tore through Oklahoma, and ever since, the support from the community has been overwhelming. A group of musicians and a local restaurant are now coming together to support those impacted in Stillwater. Bad Brad's Bar-B-Q is hosting 'Stillwater Rising' on Sunday, it will be a day full of live music and giving back. Wives rallying together to support Stillwater Police Department after wildfires 'We're able to that's why we're doing it, that's the least we can do. I mean, we're showing up,' said Vernon Wilson, owner of Bad Brad's Bar-B-Q. Over 50 artists like Michael Massey, Dario Bellettini, Keaton Herrmann, Amanda Cunningham, the Red Dirt Rangers, and many more will perform throughout the day. 'It's devastating what happened, but that's why, you know, we can't sit around and mope about it, you got to get it together and do something,' said Dylan Moss, singer/songwriter. Moss will also be performing and helped set the event up, he's from around Stillwater and got his start there like many of the others. 'It's awesome to give back to the community, you know, especially a community that has such a big place in my heart, like Stillwater,' said Moss. Another artist set to take the stage is Scott McKinley, a video of him playing Amazing Grace on his bagpipes while standing in front of his burned home has gone viral. 'They lost everything and he'll be here giving his time and playing. That's what Stillwater and this community is about,' said Wilson. Along with live music, there will also be a BBQ buffer, silent auction, raffles, and even a dunk tank featuring the mayor, fire chief, and more. 'Stillwater is a special place, the people here are strong, resilient and as one of us hurts, we all hurt together and, you know, we're going to get through this together,' said Chief Terry Essary with the Stillwater Fire Department. Bad Brad's Bar-B-Q is accepting donations for the auction and raffles through Saturday, you can drop them off at 5302 W 6th Avenue. Volunteers are also needed for the day of the concert. Live music will begin on Sunday at 11 a.m. and will last through the evening. Every dollar raised will go directly to those in Payne County and will be distributed through the Stillwater Community Foundation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
