15-year-old Michael Thomas charged in connection to the shooting death of 16-year-old TyRell Lee Junior and 40-year-old Adam Ballance at Tulsa house party

Update: A 15-year-old named Michael Thomas faces first-degree murder charges, among other offenses, following a gunfire exchange at a North Tulsa residence that resulted in two fatalities and three individuals sustaining critical injuries.

Investigative findings indicate that Adam Ballance, Dreshawn Ballance, Tyrell Junior, and Thomas were all participants in the shootout, as detailed in court documents. The incident occurred during a family gathering at the residence, where Junior, Thomas, and another individual known as “Marco” were brought by a family member and had been present for several hours prior to the shooting.

Upon learning that the three juveniles were in possession of firearms, they were instructed to leave, but they declined. Dreshawn Ballance mentioned that efforts were made to persuade the juveniles to depart, but they remained uncooperative.

After a heated exchange, Dreshawn Ballance started escorting the armed juveniles out of the residence. During this, Adam Ballance asserted, “You aren’t the only one with guns here,” retrieved his AR15 from his bedroom, and approached them on the front porch.

Dreshawn Ballance reported that Junior drew his firearm and aimed it at Adam Ballance. In response, Adam discharged his weapon at Junior and Thomas, prompting Junior to return fire.

Thomas recounted firing three rounds at Adam Ballance, causing him to fall to the ground. Dreshawn Ballance stated that, after Adam fell, he retrieved the AR15 and engaged in gunfire with Thomas. Unfortunately, Junior sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the gunfire, Cordello Ballance was struck by a round from outside the residence while sitting in the living room. He was taken to a local hospital and was listed in critical condition. After the initial round of shots, Thomas described running to the backyard but realizing he had forgotten his phone.

He then returned toward the front yard, where he and Dreshawn Ballance exchanged a second round of gunfire.

Thomas sustained an arm injury, while Dreshawn Ballance was shot in the leg. Thomas recounted fleeing to the backyard, leaping over the fence, and discarding the pistol used in the incident. The police later retrieved the discarded pistol.

Additionally, Thomas is facing charges of shooting with intent to kill, discharging a weapon into a dwelling or public place, and assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

Original Report:

At approximately 1:58 a.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting near 3800 E. Woodrow St. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Two of the victims, a 40-year-old male and a 16-year-old male, died from their injuries. The 16-year-old died at the scene and the 40-year-old died at the hospital.

Three other victims, a 20-year-old male, and 18-year-old male, and a 15-year-old male were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

The preliminary investigation indicates that there was a family gathering at the residence when a dispute arose between a 16-year-old and another guest. The 16-year-old was the boyfriend of an invited guest.

There were over a dozen people in the house including children under 10-years-old at the time of the dispute.

The dispute escalated and the 16-year-old with his friends were asked to leave, the 16-year-old and his 15-year-old friend were both armed.

The 40-year-old who was asking them to leave, did so while armed with a semi-automatic rifle. Once outside, gunfire was exchanged between the 40-year-old and the 16-year-old resulting in the death of the 16-year-old.

The 40-year-old was hit by gunfire, fell, and dropped his rifle. The son of the 40-year-old, who is a 20-year-old, picked up his father’s rifle and an exchange of gunfire ensued between him and the 15-year-old. Both were hit by gunfire.

Multiple people were struck by gunfire:

• 16-year-old male – Died from gunshot wound

• 40-year-old male – Died from gunshot wound

• 20-year-old male – Struck in leg and hip

• 18-year-old male – Struck and may have paralysis

• 15-year-old male – Struck and in critical condition

This is an ongoing investigation, and additional details will be released as they become available. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Tulsa Police Department at 911 or Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS.