A Thursday shooting in Pawnee County has left a mother demanding answers and a tight-knit town grieving the loss of 15-year-old Preston Mulder, a freshman who loved fishing and sports. Family members say Preston had just hit major milestones, from attending his first prom to making the varsity basketball team.
Mother Demands Answers
Megan Mulder told News On 6 she wants the truth about how her son died. “I just want answers,” she said, adding that even if the shooting turns out to have been accidental, she believes it could still amount to negligence.
Deputies notified the family of Preston’s death. Investigators say the circumstances, reported to have occurred while he was with friends, are still under review as they try to piece together what happened in his final hours.
Remembering Preston
An obituary posted by Poteet Funeral Home remembers Preston Levi Mulder as a proud Pawnee Black Bear who played football, track and basketball and had just earned a spot on the varsity basketball team as a sophomore. The funeral home lists visitation and services at the Pawnee Nation Roam Chief Event Center this weekend.
Community Responds
The Pawnee Nation announced it would close tribal offices early out of respect for the family, a gesture that shows how deeply Preston’s death has shaken the community, according to a statement on the Pawnee Nation website. Neighbors, coaches and classmates have been sharing condolences as the family prepares for services and memorials.
Investigation and Support
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe and will send its findings to the district attorney, who will decide whether any charges are warranted, as reported by News On 6. The outlet also reports that a fund has been set up to help Preston’s family with funeral and related expenses.
How to Help or Tip Investigators
Megan Mulder has asked anyone with information to come forward. The OSBI operates a confidential tipline and can be reached at 1-800-522-8017 or at [email protected], according to the agency’s contact page.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have seen something or who has video or other evidence to contact the bureau or local law enforcement so officials can fully reconstruct the events that led to Preston’s death.
