Tragedy Strikes at Church Event in East Tulsa: 15-Year-Old Alexander Puentes Fatally Shot
EAST TULSA, OK — July 27, 2025 — A community outreach event meant to bring hope and unity to East Tulsa ended in heartbreaking tragedy when a 15-year-old boy was fatally shot outside St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. on Sunday night at the church located near 27th Street and 129th East Avenue.
Officers with the Tulsa Police Department responded swiftly to reports of a shooting at the church grounds. Upon arrival, they discovered the young victim, later identified as Alexander Puentes, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the stomach. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital where doctors worked tirelessly to save him, but Puentes succumbed to his injuries just a few hours later.
The church had been hosting a community outreach event—an initiative designed to foster connection and offer safe recreation for area youth and families. But amid the music, food, and fellowship, a violent confrontation shattered the evening’s peace.
According to investigators, tensions had been brewing earlier in the evening, and an altercation involving Puentes had reportedly occurred before the event. Authorities believe the confrontation continued at the church when a teenage suspect, who is said to have been involved in the earlier dispute, arrived on the scene. A physical altercation broke out between the two teens, which escalated rapidly. Witnesses told police that during the fight, the suspect pulled out a firearm, shot Puentes, and fled the area on foot.
The church’s front lawn, once a gathering space filled with laughter and light, was quickly transformed into a chaotic and somber scene as emergency responders secured the area and tended to the injured teen. Youth counselors and volunteers present during the event were visibly shaken, many of them reportedly rushing to comfort frightened children and families.
Tulsa Police detectives quickly launched an investigation. Surveillance footage and witness testimonies have aided in identifying the suspect, though the individual’s name has not been publicly released due to their age. Police confirm that they are actively working to locate and arrest the teenage suspect, who remains at large.
“This is a heartbreaking loss of a young life,” said Tulsa Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Laura Thompson. “Alexander was just 15. He had a future ahead of him. What happened last night is not only devastating to his family and friends but to our entire community. A church event should be a safe place for healing, not for violence.”
Local residents have since begun leaving flowers and candles outside the church’s gates in memory of Alexander. Grief counselors have also been made available to parishioners and community members through the church’s pastoral care team.
Father Miguel Salas of St. Thomas More offered a message of compassion and solidarity during a brief vigil held Monday morning: “We grieve deeply with Alexander’s family. Our church is committed to being a refuge, especially for our youth. Violence has no place here—or anywhere. We call on the community to come together in peace.”
As the investigation continues, the Tulsa Police Department urges anyone with additional information to come forward. Tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers at (918) 596-COPS and may remain anonymous.
Alexander Puentes is being remembered by classmates and neighbors as a bright, kind-hearted teenager with a contagious smile. His sudden death has cast a somber shadow over East Tulsa and has sparked urgent conversations about youth violence, access to firearms, and the need for stronger community-based intervention programs.
This is a developing story. Authorities are expected to release further updates in the coming days as the search for the suspect continues.