Taft’s Memorial Day festival turned deadly shortly after midnight on May 29, 2022, when gunfire erupted at an event that had drawn about 1,500 attendees. Sherika Bowler, a 39-year-old Black woman, was killed; seven others between the ages of nine and 56 were wounded. Witnesses said the shots initially sounded like fireworks as people dove for cover. The Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, on site for security, rendered aid.

Investigators recovered 40 shell casings from four different caliber weapons, a detail that investigators say points to multiple shooters. The violence reportedly began with an argument that escalated into gunfire. In the days afterward several people surrendered or were arrested in connection with the shooting, including Skyler Buckner, Kendall Alexander, Gervorise Warrior, and Keshawn Jackson.

Does anyone who attended the festival or knew Sherika have information that could help clarify how the argument turned deadly?