The brother of a man on trial for an alleged hit will join his brother in jail on another murder.
Tulsa Police homicide detectives arrested Deandre Bethel, 23, near 19th and Cincinnati on Wednesday in the murder and armed robbery of Byron Ivory Jr. Investigators say evidence recovered from Bethel led back to the crime scene.
Ivory was shot several times in a parking lot near 16th and S. Baltimore overnight on Friday.
An arrest report shows Bethel was stopped earlier this week in a white Chevy Colbalt and arrested for possession of a firearm while intoxicated. Police say he tried to hide the gun under the driver’s seat.
After the homicide detective learned of the arrest and the description of the Bethel’s car matched that of the suspect vehicle leaving the scene of Ivory’s murder the homicide detective transported the gun to OSBI.
A comparison to the bullets used to kill Ivory and the weapon matched.
Police say a man was robbed moments before Ivory was robbed and killed. His mother, Sharon Livingston says all she could do was scream in agony when she heard the news.
"My son was murdered. He was shot down like a dog. He was shot multiple times. And, his life is gone,” says Livingston. “I can't believe I'll never see my son again, or hear his voice or I just can't believe it."
Livingston recited a scripture about forgiveness that her son often referred to “forgive your enemies.”
His mother says Ivory was a hard-working man. He never worked throughout high school and had worked as a manager at Sherwin Williams in Claremore for six years.
His mother is pleading for anyone who has information to come forward.
"If you did something; like I taught my son; you admit that you're wrong and you come forward. You speak out and you do what's right,” says Livingston.
The suspects took off in late model silver Ford Fusion with paper tags.
The family says a viewing will be held on Thursday at Butler-Stumpff Funeral Home 2103 E. 3rd Street in Tulsa between 2 p.m.to 8 p.m. Ivory’s funeral will be on Friday at 11 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church 1709 N. Madison, Tulsa.
Police say Deandre Bethel is Terrico Bethel's brother. Terrico is on trial for the 2008 murder fire hire that killed businessman Neal Sweeny. Terrico is the accused triggerman in the Sweeney murder.
The investigation is ongoing and police say there are more suspects. If you have any information about Ivory’s murder call 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.
Bethel is booked for First-Degree Murder and three armed robbery charges.
