Denavarie Quintel Brooks, 37, was killed in Ada, Oklahoma during the late hours of New Year’s Eve 2022. Known as Ray to friends and family, he was a Wewoka High School graduate (class of 2004), married to his high school sweetheart Kasey, and remembered as a compassionate presence in his family life.

The shooting took place at a Valero gas station after an altercation with another man, Jassmone Samuelle Ashton. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage showing Brooks approach Ashton aggressively. A protective order Ashton had filed against Brooks the prior year was part of the background to the encounter. After examining the video and other evidence, the District Attorney concluded Ashton acted in self-defense and declined to file criminal charges, and the case was closed.

If anyone witnessed the incident at the Valero or knew more about the relationship between Brooks and Ashton, please share what you know.