A December morning in Perry, Oklahoma, ended in a homicide when officers responded to a shooting at a home near the 200 block of Birch Street. Inside, 32-year-old James Aaron Russell was found with a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency aid. Present at the residence was his husband, 39-year-old Kenton Dale Thedford, who was taken into custody and booked into the Noble County Detention Center on a charge of homicide. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation was asked to assist the Perry Police Department with the inquiry.

Russell was described as a devoted father who enjoyed reading the Bible, writing poetry, playing video games and joking around with his son. He graduated from Mulhall-Orlando High School and worked as a general laborer and handyman. The investigation is ongoing and authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward.

If anyone knew James or was in the Birch Street area that morning, can you share information that might help the investigation?