In the early morning hours of July 28, 2025, the city of Stillwater, Oklahoma, was rattled by an act of violence that claimed the life of 35-year-old Andrew Niles Rice Sr. A proud member of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma and a descendant of the Pawnee Nation, Otoe-Missouria, and Sac & Fox Tribes, Andrew's life was cut tragically short in a shooting that left another person dead and one injured. The incident unfolded at approximately 1:14 a.m. in the 200 block of W.
Elm Avenue, where officers from the Stillwater Police Department responded to reports of gunfire. Upon their arrival, they discovered a grim scene with three victims.
Andrew Rice and another individual, identified as 38-year-old Vanessa Henry, were both found deceased at the scene from gunshot wounds. A third victim, 34-year-old Carman Murphy, who was Andrew's recently wedded wife, sustained at least one gunshot wound. She was transported to a hospital for medical treatment and was reported to be in stable condition. The violence shattered the lives of the victims and their families, leaving a community in mourning. Andrew was remembered for his infectious smile and his love for his family, especially his two children, Andrew Rice Jr. and Amiyah Drapeau.
The suspect in the double homicide was quickly identified as 36-year-old Theodore DeMarrio McCloud of Langston. McCloud fled the scene before police arrived, prompting a search by law enforcement. He was later located by officers from the Langston University Police Department at a residence in Langston. When confronted, McCloud reportedly exited a vehicle and fired multiple rounds at the officers, who returned fire. Following this exchange, McCloud was taken into custody without further incident, with the assistance of multiple agencies. He was subsequently jailed on a $10 million bond as the investigation into the double homicide continued, with charges to be presented to the Payne County District Attorney's Office.
