Ex-Tulsa Cop Accused Of Killing Daughter's Boyfriend: No Dismissal

TULSA, OK — A judge denied a request to dismiss a murder case against a former Tulsa police officer charged with killing of his daughter's boyfriend, and the officer is now poised to go to trial for a fourth time.

Shannon Kepler is charged with murder in the August 2014 shooting death of Jeremey Lake, 19. Jurors in three trials so far have deadlocked, leading to mistrials. Prosecutors announced last month that they would move forward with a fourth trial.

Kepler's attorneys wanted the case dropped, arguing that jurors in his most recent trial "de facto" found him not guilty when each individually said he or she needed more information and evidence to reach a verdict, The Tulsa World reported. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

District Judge Sharon Holmes rejected that request Tuesday and scheduled an Oct. 9 trial date.

Kepler, who retired from the force after he was charged, told investigators he thought Lake was armed and acted in self-defense. Kepler was a 24-year-police veteran and said he was trying to protect his daughter. She had run away from home and was living in a crime-ridden neighborhood, he said. No weapon was found at the scene.

Kepler's attorney, Richard O'Carroll said Lisa Kepler had been in and out of a homeless shelter after her father barred her from bringing men into his house.

Photo credit: Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press