On the evening of August 16, 2025, a violent encounter in Tulsa near 36th and Yale tragically ended the life of 32-year-old Heather Martinez. The incident, which unfolded around 6:07 PM, also resulted in a 50-year-old man being hospitalized with gunshot wounds, though he was expected to recover. Witnesses at the scene described a chilling sequence of events, reporting that an individual in a red car opened fire on the gray Suburban in which Martinez was a passenger before speeding away.
An argument reportedly preceded the shooting, with the driver of the red car getting out to confront the occupants of the SUV. Martinez was struck in the head and was found unresponsive at the scene.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led Tulsa Police to identify the suspect vehicle as a red Camaro. This breakthrough allowed detectives to pinpoint Jacqueline Hull as the alleged getaway driver. Hull was arrested on August 18th and booked into jail on a charge of 1st Degree Murder. Shortly after, authorities identified 44-year-old Mark Burleson as the suspected shooter. He was located and arrested in Ponca City the following day and was set to be brought back to Tulsa to face murder charges. Police have indicated that they do not anticipate any further arrests in connection with the case.
The legal proceedings for one of the suspects are expected to involve federal authorities. Mark Burleson is a tribal member, and due to the McGirt ruling, his case will be turned over to the FBI and federal prosecutors for further investigation and prosecution. The death of Heather Martinez, a mother of five children, prompted an outpouring of support for her family. A GoFundMe campaign was established by her sister to help with funeral expenses and to provide for her children, who were left in the care of their aunt and grandmother. Police have stated that the shooting was not a random act of road rage and that the individuals involved had some prior knowledge of each other.
