Rabson Robert, 36, was found fatally shot outside room 118 at the America’s Value Inn on 11th Street in Tulsa on June 2, 2017. Police responded to calls about a shooting just before 11 p.m.; Robert was pronounced dead at the scene.

An 18-year-old, Naway Willy, was initially identified as a person of interest. Officers say Willy fled when approached and allegedly drew a firearm; officers shot and killed him during the encounter. Investigators later cleared Willy of directly firing the shot that killed Robert and turned their attention to another suspect.

Tulio Alex Aviles, 33, was arrested June 4, 2017, and charged with first-degree murder. Aviles’ wife told investigators he came to her in a panic the night of the shooting, saying Robert had threatened him; Aviles reportedly claimed he pulled a gun to scare Robert and it discharged accidentally. A witness reported hearing one gunshot and seeing a vehicle matching Aviles’ speed away with its lights off.