Authorities in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, approximately 15 miles southeast of Tulsa, are probing the deaths of a brother and sister, aged 17 and 14, respectively, discovered in their home.
The Broken Arrow Police Department was notified about the incident on Sunday afternoon, February 11, 2024, while receiving a tip about a potential suicide.
Family members found the boy dead, and as officers were responding to the house, the body of the girl was discovered.
Based on information from the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office, the 14-year-old girl’s death was attributed to strangulation. Preliminary reports suggest the boy’s death was a suicide.
The parents were not present at the time of the incident, leaving many questions unanswered.
Both siblings were students in the Broken Arrow Public Schools system. Authorities have refrained from releasing the juveniles’ names, citing the investigation’s sensitive nature.
This is among the most challenging situations for officers to respond to. “Whenever we encounter cases involving deceased children, it profoundly affects us,” remarked Broken Arrow Police Captain Josh McCoy.
According to a neighbor interviewed by a local media outlet, the youngsters were described as “well-behaved,” while their parents were regarded as “excellent neighbors.”
The Broken Arrow Police Department has announced cooperation with the local school district to provide resources to students and faculty impacted by the event. Counselors were made available at the schools to provide psychological support and aid to students and teachers affected by the deaths.
The police investigation aims to piece together the events leading to the deaths and to support the family, friends, and community during this challenging time. Authorities have refrained from speculating on the motives behind the deaths, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.