Rutger Allen Harjo was a 15-year-old Native American boy of Seminole and Cherokee descent from Oklahoma City. Born April 17, 1988, he attended Crooked Oak School and was remembered as goofy, likable, and someone who could make people laugh. He spent quiet, happy hours fishing with his grandfather George Harjo and lived with relatives after his father, Franklin Harjo, had died; Becky Spain served as his mother and he had a younger brother, Jerrad.

The shooting was carried out by an Oklahoma City police officer, who was placed on administrative leave while the incident was reviewed.

Rutger’s obituaries and memorial pages stress the loss felt by family and community and note the case’s role in conversations about police use of lethal force involving Native families. If anyone knew Rutger or has information about that day, please share what can help fill the gaps in the timeline.