In the late hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, a distressing 911 call was made to the Oklahoma City police. The caller, 43-year-old Myron Cooper, reported that he had been shot. He was located near SE 15th St. and I-35, miles from where the violent encounter had occurred. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene and rushed a critically injured Cooper to a local hospital. Despite undergoing surgery, he succumbed to his injuries on the morning of Friday, July 24, 2026.
His death marked the 42nd homicide in Oklahoma City for the year.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that the incident began with a dispute in the parking lot of Sunni B Sports Bar and Grill, located seven miles away near NE 63rd St. and I-235. Detectives identified 54-year-old Berry Russell Jr. as the suspected shooter. The altercation reportedly stemmed from an interaction inside the club between Russell and Cooper's wife, which Cooper perceived as inappropriate. The argument between Cooper and his wife was reportedly captured on a Facebook Live video she was streaming. The conflict then moved to the parking lot where Cooper confronted Russell. After an initial fight was broken up, Russell went back inside the establishment. He later told police he had his wife bring him a firearm for protection. When Russell attempted to leave, Cooper allegedly pulled up beside his car. Russell stated that he tried to retreat back into the bar but was chased and struck by Cooper, at which point he fired his weapon, striking Cooper in the chest.
Following the shooting, a wounded Myron Cooper managed to drive away from the scene, making several stops before finally coming to a halt where he was found by police. In a surprising turn, Berry Russell Jr. also contacted 911 to report the shooting, claiming he had acted in self-defense. When located by law enforcement, Russell surrendered without incident and turned over his firearm. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a complaint of first-degree murder. The case, as it stands, is an isolated incident with the suspect in custody. The legal proceedings will ultimately determine the full story of the tragic events that led to the death of Myron Cooper.
