On a summer night in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the life of 23-year-old Joshua Tibbs was tragically cut short. On August 5, 2017, the young Black / African American man was at the Route 66 Event Center when a disturbance erupted. As people scattered from the venue, gunshots rang out in the parking lot. In an attempt to escape the danger, Joshua got into his Tahoe and drove away.
However, his vehicle was followed.
A second car pursued him, leading to another shooting in the 400 block of South Sheridan. Despite being wounded, Joshua continued to drive until he reached the 400 block of South Fulton, where he collapsed and succumbed to his injuries. His death was recorded as the city's 52nd homicide of the year.
In the wake of the shooting, an investigation was launched, which soon led to a significant development in the case. A 26-year-old man named Willie Banks was arrested and subsequently charged with first-degree murder in connection with Joshua's death. Banks was taken into custody and held at the Tulsa County jail. While an arrest was made, the specific motive behind the fatal shooting remained unclear to investigators.
Joshua was remembered by his family and friends as a sweet, generous, and quiet person with a passion for cooking and a deep love for his family, especially his daughter and his grandmother. He was also known for his fondness for cars and old trucks. His untimely death left a profound void in the lives of his loved ones.
