Oklahoma City, December 24, 2025
The Oklahoma City Police Department has made available video footage from the fatal shooting of Deante Hawthorne, who was involved in a violent crime spree. The incident began in Moore, Oklahoma, leading to multiple shootings and attempted carjackings before Hawthorne was shot by police. The officer involved is currently on administrative leave as the investigation continues, inviting public assistance to gather more information.
Oklahoma City Police Release Video of Fatal Shooting During Crime Spree
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma City Police Department has released video footage showing the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Deante Hawthorne, who was at the center of a deadly crime spree in the Oklahoma City metro area last month.
Details of the Incident
On November 22, 2025, Hawthorne’s crime spree began in Moore, Oklahoma, where he shot and killed one of his roommates. He then stole a vehicle at gunpoint in Oklahoma City and proceeded to shoot and kill 44-year-old Lenox Richardson. Police pursued Hawthorne, who crashed his vehicle on Interstate 240 at Eastern Avenue. After exiting the vehicle and attempting to carjack passing motorists while armed, Hawthorne was struck by two separate vehicles. An Oklahoma City police officer then fatally shot him. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Background Information
Hawthorne had a criminal history, including prior convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and carrying weapons into a jail. He was released from prison in 2019. The police department utilized real-time information center cameras and automated license plate readers to locate and apprehend Hawthorne during his crime spree.
Investigation and Public Appeal
The Oklahoma City Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident. They are seeking information from motorists who were approached by Hawthorne during the attempted carjackings on I-240. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oklahoma City Police Department’s homicide tip line at 405-297-1200.
Related Incidents
This incident is part of a series of recent events in the Oklahoma City metro area. On November 3, 2025, a Midwest City police officer was involved in a pursuit that ended in a fatal crash. An Oklahoma County Grand Jury reviewed the case and recommended that no charges be filed against the officer involved.
Community Response
The release of the video footage has sparked discussions within the community regarding police use of force and the handling of violent crime suspects. The Oklahoma City Police Department emphasizes its commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.
Conclusion
The investigation into the fatal shooting of Deante Hawthorne is ongoing. The Oklahoma City Police Department continues to encourage the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What led to the fatal shooting of Deante Hawthorne?
Deante Hawthorne was involved in a deadly crime spree in the Oklahoma City metro area, which included shootings and carjackings. The incident culminated in a police pursuit that ended with Hawthorne being fatally shot after attempting to carjack passing motorists while armed.
What is the current status of the police officer involved in the shooting?
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
How can the public assist in the investigation?
The Oklahoma City Police Department is seeking information from motorists who were approached by Hawthorne during the attempted carjackings on I-240. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oklahoma City Police Department’s homicide tip line at 405-297-1200.
What is the background of Deante Hawthorne?
Hawthorne had a criminal history, including prior convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and carrying weapons into a jail. He was released from prison in 2019.
Have there been other recent incidents involving police use of force in the Oklahoma City area?
Yes, on November 3, 2025, a Midwest City police officer was involved in a pursuit that ended in a fatal crash. An Oklahoma County Grand Jury reviewed the case and recommended that no charges be filed against the officer involved.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Deante Hawthorne, 34 years old |
| Criminal History | Prior convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and carrying weapons into a jail; released from prison in 2019 |
| Incident Date | November 22, 2025 |
| Location | Oklahoma City metro area, including Moore and Oklahoma City |
| Victims | One roommate killed in Moore; Lenox Richardson, 44, killed in Oklahoma City |
| Police Response | Pursuit leading to a crash on I-240; Hawthorne attempted to carjack passing motorists while armed; fatally shot by police |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; officer placed on administrative leave pending investigation |
| Public Appeal | Seeking information from motorists approached by Hawthorne during attempted carjackings on I-240; contact homicide tip line at 405-297-1200 |
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