On the evening of December 26, 2023, a violent altercation outside the Woodland Hills Mall in Tulsa, Oklahoma, claimed the life of 21-year-old Kierstan 'KJ' Love. A dispute that began inside the bustling post-Christmas shopping center tragically escalated near the northwest entrance, forever altering the lives of two families.
The incident began with a confrontation inside the mall involving the girlfriend of Kierstan Love and another man, later identified as Deonte Michael Crump.
Following this initial argument, Love became involved, leading to a physical fight between him and Crump just outside the mall's doors. In a sudden and fatal turn of events, Crump produced a handgun and shot Love. The single gunshot wound proved to be critical, and despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Kierstan Love succumbed to his injuries later that night.
In the immediate aftermath, the shooter fled the scene, prompting an intensive investigation by the Tulsa Police Department. Through the diligent work of homicide detectives, the Fugitive Warrants Unit, and patrol officers, Deonte Crump was identified as the suspect. He was apprehended two days later, on December 28, 2023. At the time of the incident, Crump, also in his early twenties, was under the supervision of the Department of Corrections for previous offenses.
Deonte Crump was subsequently charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Kierstan Love, as well as possession of a firearm while under supervision. In August 2025, Crump entered a guilty plea to the charges brought against him. He is currently awaiting sentencing for his role in the tragic and senseless death of Kierstan KJ Love.
