TULSA, OK — A domestic dispute turned deadly in the early morning hours of October 3 when a woman fatally shot her child’s father inside an apartment in North Tulsa.

Officers with the Tulsa Police Department responded just after midnight to reports of a shooting at the Bradford Apartments near East 32nd Street North and Garrison Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered 45-year-old Billy Williams deceased inside the apartment with a gunshot wound to the chest.

According to police, the woman told investigators that Williams had been assaulting her and threatened to kill her. She reported that the shooting occurred during the confrontation in which she feared for her life. Officers noted that the woman displayed multiple signs of physical abuse.

She was questioned and later released pending further investigation. Authorities have confirmed that all evidence, including witness statements and forensic findings, will be submitted to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed.

Deadly encounters during domestic violence incidents often unfold in a matter of seconds, especially when the threat comes from someone known to the victim. In this case, the woman reportedly acted in self-defense after being assaulted and threatened with death. For anyone in a volatile domestic situation, it is crucial to have a safety strategy and understand when the law permits the use of deadly force. Self-defense is justified only when there is a clear and immediate threat of death or serious injury. Knowing your rights and having access to a means of protection can make the difference in a life-or-death situation.