Bradley Hilton Wahnee, a 19-year-old Native American male, was a promising college student with a bright future ahead of him. He was a sophomore at Oklahoma City University, pursuing a degree in Biology with aspirations of becoming a radiologist. Bradley was a recipient of the Clara Luper Minority Scholarship and was recognized as the 2008 Comanche Nation High School Graduate of the Year, a testament to his academic excellence and dedication.
He was known as a brilliant and ambitious scholar who was diligently working towards the goals he had set for himself.
On the evening of September 22, 2009, Bradley's life was tragically cut short in an act of senseless violence. He had stopped to visit a friend he had known since middle school. Unbeknownst to him, he was in a dangerous place at a dangerous time. While at his friend's home, masked individuals arrived and opened fire in a drive-by shooting, which was believed to be the result of a feud between two rival gangs. Bradley, who had no ties to any gang and had actively avoided such affiliations, was fatally wounded. He was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community mourned the loss of a young man with immense potential. Described as an avid fan of OU sports, particularly the Sooners, he also enjoyed playing basketball and golf. He was deeply loved by his family and many friends, who were left devastated by his sudden and violent death.
The investigation into Bradley's murder led to the arrest of an 18-year-old gang member approximately four weeks after the shooting. The suspect was subsequently charged with first-degree murder, beginning the long and arduous process of seeking justice for Bradley and his grieving family.
