Homicide Investigation – Arrest Made in Deadly Stillwater Shooting
STILLWATER, OK – A tragic and violent incident in the early hours of Monday, July 28, 2025, has left two people dead and a community in mourning, as Stillwater Police continue their investigation into a fatal shooting that took place in the 200 block of W. Elm Avenue. Authorities have confirmed that an arrest has been made in connection with the deadly crime, bringing a measure of closure even as questions remain.
At approximately 1:14 a.m., officers with the Stillwater Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired in the area. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered a horrific scene with three adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two of the victims, Vanessa Henry, 38, and Andrew Rice, 35—both residents of Stillwater—were pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders. A third victim, Carman Murphy, 34, also of Stillwater, sustained at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital, where she is currently listed in stable condition.
The tragedy quickly evolved into an active manhunt as authorities identified the suspect as Theodore DeMarrio McCloud, 36, of Langston, Oklahoma. McCloud fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers, prompting a multi-agency response across county lines.
Later that morning, McCloud was located by the Langston University Police Department (LUPD) at a residence in Langston. When officers arrived, McCloud exited a vehicle and fired multiple rounds at LUPD officers. In response to the immediate threat, one officer returned fire, though no law enforcement officers were reported injured during the exchange. The situation quickly escalated, prompting additional support from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Thanks to the swift coordination and response of all involved, McCloud was ultimately taken into custody without further incident. His arrest has brought a degree of relief to the Stillwater and Langston communities, though the emotional toll of this senseless act of violence continues to reverberate.
McCloud now faces pending charges related to the fatal shootings of Vanessa Henry and Andrew Rice, as well as the attempted murder of Carman Murphy and the confrontation with police officers during his apprehension. The case remains under active investigation, and formal charges will be presented to the Payne County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is currently handling all inquiries related to McCloud’s arrest in Langston and any use-of-force protocols enacted during the exchange with law enforcement.
This devastating incident has shocked the Stillwater community, with many expressing grief and outrage over the violence. Vanessa Henry and Andrew Rice were both described by friends and family as kind-hearted, hardworking, and deeply rooted in their community. The long-term emotional and psychological impacts on survivors, including Carman Murphy, are only beginning to be understood.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Stillwater Police Chief acknowledged the pain and trauma this incident has caused and vowed to pursue justice for the victims. “This is a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing event,” the statement read. “We offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those we lost and are committed to ensuring that the person responsible for this violence is held fully accountable under the law.”
Crisis support and counseling services have been made available to affected families and community members as they begin to process this tragic loss. Local leaders and advocates have also called for increased focus on community safety and mental health services to help prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the legal process moves forward, the memory of Vanessa Henry and Andrew Rice will be honored, and support for Carman Murphy will continue as she recovers. This tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community unity in the face of loss.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is urged to contact the Stillwater Police Department or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
