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Press Release

Tulsa Man Sentenced for Shooting a Minor During an Illegal Handgun Sale

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Oklahoma

A Tulsa man who shot and killed a minor during an illegal firearms sale was sentenced Thursday in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Carl John Irons Jr., 20, to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. On June 9, 2021, Irons pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country.

“An illegal gun sale ended in tragedy when a 16-year-old was killed in an exchange of gunfire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Too many families have lost children to gun violence. These shootings are a waste of young lives. My thoughts are with this family as they continue to grieve the loss of this young man.”

In a plea agreement, Irons admitted to shooting and killing the minor victim on Feb. 4, 2020. The incident occurred when two groups met for an illegal gun sale. A conflict arose between the two groups, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The victim, who was in the opposing group, was shot in the head and body and died at an area hospital on Feb. 8, 2020. The crime occurred at an apartment complex on South Mingo Road in Tulsa.

The victim was a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime was committed within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation.

The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston prosecuted the case.

Contact

Public Affairs
918-382-2755

Updated September 9, 2021

Topics
Indian Country Law and Justice
Violent Crime