In a tragic turn of events on March 12, 2017, Cynthia Peraza, an 18-year-old Hispanic female from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was fatally shot. The incident that claimed her life unfolded when she accompanied her friend, Christopher Foster, to the residence of Antonio Simmons. Foster was reportedly hoping to reconcile with his ex-girlfriend, who was Simmons' stepdaughter.
Upon their arrival at the home located near Pine and Gilcrease Museum Road, an altercation ensued.
Peraza, Foster, and another teenage girl who was with them were asked to leave the premises. As they were returning to their vehicle, Simmons followed them and opened fire. Both Cynthia Peraza, who was in the backseat, and Christopher Foster were struck by the gunfire and died from their injuries. The third teenager, who was driving, also sustained a gunshot wound but managed to drive away and seek help.
Shortly after the shooting, police arrested 45-year-old Antonio Simmons in connection with the deaths. He was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder, in addition to assault and battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction. Reports indicated that Simmons had a criminal history that dated back to the 1990s. In the wake of the tragedy, Cynthia Peraza was remembered by friends and family as a caring and beautiful individual who attended Memorial High School.
