Family searching for answers after Muskogee Police say 19-year-old who told them he accidentally shot himself dies

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — A Muskogee family is offering a reward for information after their loved one, 19-year-old Jerico Walker, died from a gunshot wound to the stomach last Saturday afternoon.

Muskogee Police said he told them he accidentally shot himself.

FOX23 spoke with Jerico's family who doesn't believe that's what happened.

His family said Jerico, also known as JD by his loved ones, was a good kid.

“He was into sports and he just loved everybody. He loved helping people and he loved cars,” said Tyson Walker, JD’s father.

They said they're shocked and devastated and want help to find out what happened.

“In shock,” said Tyson. “I just can't believe my boy is gone, our baby boy.”

Wearing t-shirts with his picture on the front, a group of JD’s family and friends met at Robison Park, which is where Police said JD suffered a gunshot wound.

He was rushed to a hospital in Muskogee and then to a Tulsa hospital where he died.

"We just want justice can't nobody rest at night not knowing the truth.,” said Amanda Walker, JD’s stepmom.

Muskogee Police sent out a statement that said in part, "Walker told officers on the scene that he accidentally shot himself."

Police went on to say in the statement that details around the incident are still being investigated.

Amanda said she thinks he told police he shot himself because he didn’t want to snitch.

"I believe he said he shot himself because he didn't think he was going to die and he didn't want people coming after him for snitching because that's what all kids do. They don't want to tell it because they don't want to be a snitch,” Amanda said.

JD's family said he went to the park with two other boys and gave us this surveillance video showing them walking together.

His family is now calling for the community's help and Amanda said they're offering a reward.

“We just want the truth if it was an accident that's cool, but where are the boys to tell us what happened,” said Amanda. “There's a $500 reward, any information would help. If it was your kid you would want someone to bring them to justice or find out the truth too. It just helps people sleep at night. There's a lot of people wanting to know the answers.”

Anyone with information that can help police with the investigation is asked to call Muskogee Police at 918-680-3117.

You can read Muskogee Police’s full press release about the shooting below.