James Harold Kinnard, a 59-year-old Black man, was shot and killed on March 3, 2022, at a residence near East 56th Street North and Peoria Avenue in Tulsa. He had been working on a construction project at the home with his son when an argument with 36-year-old Ollie Harris Jr. escalated. After Kinnard went inside and shut the door, Harris tried to force entry and, when he could not, fired a gun through the door. The bullet struck Kinnard in the chest and he died; his son witnessed the shooting and ran to the nearby Tulsa Dream Center to summon help.

A warrant was issued for Ollie Harris Jr., who was later apprehended. A Tulsa County jury found Harris guilty of first-degree felony murder; during the trial Kinnard’s son testified about witnessing his father’s death. The jury recommended a life sentence with the possibility of parole, and sentencing was set for September 26, 2023.

Kinnard’s wife, Angelic Titsworth-Kinnard, and daughter, Niesha Kinnard Taylor, described him as a dedicated family man who supported eleven children; the community organized a fund to help with funeral expenses. If anyone knew James or has information about the events that led to his death, please share what you know.