In the spring of 2017, the life of 31-year-old Durrell Collins, a Black male, was abruptly ended in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On the evening of March 20th, at approximately 10:40 p.m., Collins was in the process of parking his vehicle in the 1500 block of East Seminole when he was ambushed. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the attack and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Investigators quickly suspected the incident was rooted in gang-related violence, a significant issue within the city at the time. It was also believed that more than one individual was responsible for the shooting.
For nearly nine months, the investigation into Collins' murder continued as authorities worked to identify those responsible. The breakthrough in the case came on December 12, 2017, with the arrest of 20-year-old Norman Gaines, who also went by the name Norman Johnson. Gaines was subsequently charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Durrell Collins. At the time of his arrest, Gaines was also implicated in a separate shooting that had occurred in August of that same year at a local convenience store, which resulted in the injury of a teenager.
Even with the arrest and charging of Norman Gaines, the Tulsa Police Department continued to treat the investigation as ongoing. They maintained the belief that others were involved in the fatal shooting of Durrell Collins and continued to appeal to the public for any information that could lead to further arrests. The case highlighted the persistent issue of gang violence in the Tulsa community and the devastating impact it has on individuals and families. The investigation sought to bring all those responsible for Collins' death to justice.
