Self-defense claim in deadly shooting disputed

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

FORT SMITH — The girlfriend and the sister of an Arkansas man who was shot and killed in Oklahoma are disputing the claim of the 95-year-old man who fired the shot.

Clinton McCormick of Van Buren died Saturday after being shot outside the man's home between Muldrow and Sallisaw. Sequoyah County Sheriff Ron Lockhart says the man told deputies he felt threatened when he shot McCormick.

The man was not arrested and his name hasn't been released.

McCormick's girlfriend, Erica Holder, told the Times Record that she was with McCormick and that he did not threaten the man. McCormick's sister, Desra McCormick, claimed the 95-year-old man had threatened her brother in the past.

Lockhart said the shooting is still under investigation and the district attorney's office will decide whether to file charges.