A Weekend Getaway Turns Tragic
April 12, 2025, was supposed to be a peaceful weekend for my wife and me. We had booked a stay at the Osage Casino Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma, hoping for some much-needed relaxation. What unfolded instead was a night of chaos, fear, and irreversible loss — a night that forever changed our lives.
Shots Fired: Innocence Lost
In the early hours of the morning, we were startled by the sound of gunfire. Acting on instinct, I opened the door to assess the situation. In the confusion, our two beloved dogs, Busch and Cora, ran into the hallway. Moments later, tragedy struck. Cora, my trained service dog who had been my emotional anchor through PTSD and anxiety, was caught in the gunfire. She didn’t survive. To make matters worse, Busch went missing in the chaos and has yet to be found.
Suspects in Custody
The Tulsa Police Department responded swiftly. Two 18-year-old suspects, Malik Nakai Sampson and Marquaveon Da’Shawn Goff, were identified and later arrested. They now face serious charges including shooting with intent to kill and assault with a deadly weapon.
Their bonds have been set at $200,000 each. While justice is underway, no legal process can undo the heartbreak we are living through.
A Call for Greater Awareness
This tragedy is about more than just criminal charges. It’s a stark reminder of the hidden toll of violence — the service animals who give their lives for their humans, and the deep emotional scars survivors must bear. Casinos and public spaces must prioritize stronger security measures to protect both guests and their service animals.
Honoring Cora’s Memory
Cora was more than a service dog; she was family. Her loyalty, her protection, and her love cannot be replaced. Sharing our story is our way of honoring her and advocating for greater awareness of the silent victims often overlooked in the aftermath of violence.
