| Updated: 7/27/2012 6:33 pm |
Published: 7/27/2012 11:01 am
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Tulsa police make an arrest in the murder case of Kayla Ferrante two months after she was shot inside a car.
Edwin Daniels was arrested Thursday and is facing first degree murder charges.
The 24 year old is also being held on several counts of robbery and one count of shooting with intent to kill. Kalaya Ferrante died on May 26th, just one day after her high school graduation.
According to his arrest report, a witness told police Daniels admitted to them that he shot and killed Kayla with an AK-47 rifle. He thought the car she was riding in was that of two rival gang members. The report also states that the witness told police that Daniels buried the gun in his aunt’s back yard. After speaking with the witness – police were able to recover the gun.
Officers also found evidence during an unrelated string of home invasion robberies that connected back to the Kayla Ferrante case. During a police-held news conference, Kayla’s mother thanked the community and the police department.
"It's been very heart warming to see the city of Tulsa come together to support Kayla in the way that they have,” says Kayla’s mother Roxanne Thornton.
Thornton has been waiting for this day for months now. Ever since her 17 year old daughter was shot and killed in front of her home, she’s had to wonder who did this and why.
“It continues to be a day to day process and obviously this isn't over and we continue to pray and hope for justice for Kayla,” says Thornton.
With the announcement of a suspect in this case, police have helped begin the healing process for this family. Kayla’s best friend, Emily Edwards could hardly believe a suspect has been captured in her friend’s death.
"At first I was speechless and I didn't know what to say but I was really relieved and I was actually trying to hold back the tears, because I was so thankful they found someone,” says Edwards.
Through a long and painful process, Tulsa police detectives, the robbery and homicide units and special investigation teams were able to connect the dots to help out 24-year-old Edwin Daniels behind bars.
"I think it finally gives them relief to actually know that they caught someone and they're not out running around and do other things,” says Edwards.
On Saturday, July 28th, a special Car and Bike show hosted by Swain Brothers Racing will be held at 7743 E. 38th St.
The event begins at 4pm and runs until 8:00. All proceeds will be given to the special needs program at Memorial High School which Kayla was passionate about.
