A man with no money, but a big heart and an opinion about politics, is taking on a delicate project.
Michael Thomas started painting portraits a year ago many involving political statements rooted in his Native American Heritage, President Barack Obama, Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and now late Tulsan Tony Verner.
Verner was a Tulsa father and brother. He was gunned down in a crime that disgraced many in the community.
Verner was shot and killed at the Chicken Hut in the 1500 block of East Apache on February 28th, 2010. He was 27-years-old when he was killed. Witnesses stepped over his body to get food from the restaurant and no one came forward to talk to police.
Now, two years after his murder, an artist is doing what he can to keep Verner's death from being forgotten.
“I'll never see him again but this lets me know that a complete stranger can still care,” said Verner’s sister Renee McCaskill.
One stranger cares but dozens of witnesses to a man’s murder haven’t lifted a finger to help police find the killer.
For the first time Tony Verner’s story is being captured on canvas. “Seeing it on Facebook is different than seeing it live,” said McCaskill.
Street artist Michael Thomas respectfully painted the scene of her brother’s murder.
Verner was shot multiple times and laid in a pool of blood while bystanders stepped over his body to get their food.
"Everyday people get shot but it's not every day that people step over like they didn't care,” said Thomas.
So, with the permission of McCaskill and her family Thomas put his brush to canvas.
"The people that stepped over him that didn't care I don't think they will change but by painting it will bring it into a different context,” said Thomas.
You can tell Verner's story, but the picture is worth a thousand words.
"What I see is him asking for help," said Verner’s sister.
The only person who called 911 was a family member. On the way to the hospital Verner died.
“My heart aches because I miss my brother,” said McCaskill.
Verner’s sister, family and police need help catching his killer.
"This painting is the most important to date because I know the killer is still out there,” said Thomas.
Two years later there’s a stroke of inspiration that may bring justice.
"It gives us hope that Michael cared enough to do this. Somebody is going to come forward one day,” said McCaskill.
If you are interested in displaying Thomas' art pieces of Tony Verner contact Thomas on Facebook.
All of the money generated from Tony Verner’s art pieces will go to the victim’s two sons who are eleven and ten.
The Tulsa Police Homicide Unit created two new ways to generate more tips about crimes.
If you have information you can call the TPD Homicide tip line at 918-798-8477 or e-mail at
homicide@cityoftulsa.org. Both are as confidential as Crime Stoppers, however you may earn a cash reward by call Crime Stoppers.
You can call, text, e-mail Crime Stoppers at (918) 596-COPS (2677) or text a tip to “CRIMES” (274637) and begin your message with “TIP918” or you can submit a tip online at
www.tipsubmit.com. Remember you never have to give your name and your tip could lead to a cash reward.
