On the evening of May 1, 2019, Sidney Leon Ray, a 55-year-old Black/African American male, was shot while sitting on his front porch in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The incident occurred in the 5300 block of North Johnstown Avenue. Neighbors reported hearing an argument just before the sound of gunfire. Ray was discovered with a gunshot wound to his head and was quickly transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The investigation into the death of Sidney Ray led police to identify Reginald Sutton as a suspect. On May 2, 2019, the day after the fatal shooting, Sutton turned himself into the authorities. Following his surrender, the Tulsa County District Attorney's office charged Sutton with first-degree murder. He was subsequently held without bond. While Sutton was taken into custody, law enforcement officials believe that at least one other individual may have been involved in the shooting. Another person who was present at the scene was questioned by investigators but was later released pending further investigation into the matter.
Sidney Leon Ray was born on May 8, 1963, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He was a graduate of McClain High School in Tulsa and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in mass communication with a minor in physical education from East Central College in Ada, Oklahoma. A veteran of the United States Army, Ray was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was remembered by his family and community for his caring nature and sense of humor. His funeral services were held in Okmulgee, and he was laid to rest with military honors at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery.
