In the light of a September afternoon, a life was abruptly cut short on the streets of Oklahoma City. Anthony DeShawn Penn, an African-American man, was walking to a family friend's house on September 13, 2016, when he was fatally shot. There is conflicting information regarding his age at the time of his death, with some sources reporting he was 19 and others stating he was 29. The shooting occurred in the 8900 block of N.
Hudson Avenue in broad daylight, leaving Penn with fatal injuries in the middle of the street.
Witnesses at the scene suggested that Penn was targeted as part of an ongoing dispute. His mother, Davietta Penn, shared that her son had been released from prison just five months prior and was actively working to turn his life around. After a period of involvement in gang activity, he had reportedly embraced his faith and was making positive changes in his life. His death was a devastating blow to a family that had been hopeful for his future.
The death of Anthony DeShawn Penn marked the 56th homicide in Oklahoma City that year, contributing to a surge in violent crime that troubled the community. In the wake of the shooting, investigators appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the identification of those responsible for his death. However, despite the appeals for information, there have been no publicly announced arrests or identification of any suspects in connection with the murder. The case remains a painful and unresolved chapter for his family and the community.
