Shannon James Kepler, First Degree Murder, Oklahoma 2024

A 19-year-old’s life was senselessly cut short in 2014 when alleged gunman Shannon James Kepler, 60, of Tulsa, shot and killed Jeremey Lake.

According to the indictment, Kepler maliciously and with premeditation murdered Mr. Lake, his daughter’s boyfriend, by shooting him multiple times with a firearm. He is further charged with shooting at a minor male victim during the course of the crime.

On [undisclosed], U.S. Attorney Trent Shores announced that Kepler was charged in federal court with the first degree murder of Jeremey Lake, in addition to causing death by using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.

‘Nineteen-year-old Jeremey Lake’s life was senselessly cut short in 2014 when Shannon Kepler allegedly shot and killed him. A jury convicted Mr. Kepler in state court, but the McGirt decision has impacted his conviction. The need to pursue justice remains,’ said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

The case is being investigated by the Tulsa Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and Sean J. Taylor are prosecuting the case.

In this case, the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office worked hand in hand to ensure that a full measure of justice is experienced by Jeremey’s family and the community.

The United States and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have jurisdiction over all cases that occur on the reservation involving Native American victims or defendants, following the Supreme Court’s ruling stating the Creek Nation Reservation had never been officially disestablished by Congress.

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