A deadly shooting in Delaware County has led to a new indictment against James William Buzzard, 49, and his sons, Cody Dwayne Buzzard, 28, and Dakota Chase Buzzard, 20, all of Grove, Oklahoma.
According to the indictment, on August 1, 2019, the three men were involved in the first-degree murder of Jerry Tapp, who was found deceased in his front yard with multiple gunshot wounds. A second victim sustained a gunshot wound to her arm.
The crime occurred within the Cherokee Nation reservation, and a federal grand jury indicted the three men on charges of first-degree murder in Indian Country, assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country, and carrying, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The investigation was led by the FBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Victor A.S. Régal are prosecuting the case.
James Buzzard was initially charged by criminal complaint in February 2022 and was detained pending further criminal proceedings. The indictment marks a significant development in the case, which has been ongoing for several years.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime in Oklahoma and the importance of collaboration between federal and local authorities in bringing perpetrators to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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