One Arrest Made After Fatal Shooting in Antlers, Oklahoma; Investigation Ongoing
ANTLERS, OK — A quiet Tuesday morning in Antlers, Oklahoma, was shattered by gunfire that claimed the life of a 19-year-old man. Authorities from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) confirmed that one individual has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting, which occurred in the early hours of June 10.
According to OSBI, officers with the Antlers Police Department were dispatched to a residence near the intersection of Northwest C Street and Northwest Fifth Street shortly after 2 a.m. in response to a call about a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, identified as Kaden Neese, 19, dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency responders pronounced Neese deceased at the scene.
Following a rapid investigation, authorities identified Andrew Ragan, 22, as the primary suspect. Investigators say Ragan shot Neese during an altercation and then fled the scene. He was later located at another residence near Northwest Third Street, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Ragan was subsequently booked into the Pushmataha County Jail on a First Degree Murder complaint. The motive behind the shooting has not been disclosed, and officials have not confirmed whether Ragan and Neese knew each other or what circumstances led to the fatal encounter.
The OSBI is now working in close coordination with Antlers Police to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. Crime scene investigators have processed both locations involved in the incident — the scene of the shooting and the location where Ragan was apprehended — and are continuing to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review any available surveillance footage.
“This is a heartbreaking incident for the community of Antlers,” said a spokesperson from OSBI. “Our agents are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served.”
The deadly shooting has left the small southeastern Oklahoma town in shock. Friends and family members of Kaden Neese have begun sharing tributes online, describing him as a young man with a promising future whose life was cut tragically short. Local residents have also taken to social media to express condolences and call for an end to the rising violence affecting small communities.
City officials and community leaders are urging calm and patience as the investigation continues. They also echoed law enforcement’s plea for anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward. As of now, no other suspects have been named, and authorities have not stated whether additional arrests could be made.
The case remains under active investigation, and no further details have been released regarding what may have led up to the shooting. The OSBI has stated that more information will be provided as it becomes available.
In the meantime, the community of Antlers is mourning the loss of a young life while grappling with the aftermath of violence in their midst. Authorities are encouraging those who may be struggling with the emotional impact of the incident to seek support through local mental health services.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation or the Antlers Police Department. Anonymous tips can help advance the investigation and contribute to ensuring justice for Kaden Neese and his grieving loved ones.