LEFLORE COUNTY (KFSM) - A LeFlore County, Oklahoma, man who investigators said was shot by his stepfather has been pronounced dead.
Family members said 21-year-old Doug Byrd got into an argument with his stepfather Sunday night (Aug. 10). That argument led to his death, according to his mother Diana Wiles.
"I don't know whether to be mad at God for taking him away from me, or be mad at him for leaving me, or to bottle up and just die because he's just gone,” Wiles said.
Authorities said the shooting occurred on Reagan Street in Shady Point after 11 p.m..
"Me and Mark Wiles, the ex-husband, had gotten into it," Wiles said. "The next thing I know they're nose to nose and the gun goes off."
Byrd's family said he was taken by helicopter to a Tulsa hospital. He was pronounced dead Thursday (Aug 14).
"Yesterday was my birthday. Also, needless to say, birthdays will never be the same," Wiles said.
Shady Point police said Byrd’s stepfather was taken into custody but not arrested. Investigators said the case has been sent to the district attorney, who will decide whether to file charges.
"They're doing an investigation to see if it was maybe self-defense,” Wiles said. “How can it be self-defense when you shoot an unarmed kid? Your guess is as good as mine."
The family said no official funeral plans are set.
An account to donate to offset funeral and medical costs has been set up at the United Federal Credit Union in Fort Smith on Rogers Avenue. The account is listed under Diana Wiles according to the family.