Bartlesville District Attorney Will Drake says no charges will be  filed in connection with the April stabbing death of a Bartlesville man.

 

According to Drake,  the killing was justified under Oklahoma law because it occurred in defense of another man who was the victim of a violent assault. The original incident occurred on April 7 whebn Bartlesville Police were called to the 1200 block of Maple Avenue  where they found 31-year-old Christopher Elijah Richardson suffering from life-threatening stab wounds. He later died from his wounds.

 

An investigation revealed that Richardson had become involved in a verbal altercation with another person over a missing cell phone. Richardson then repeatedly struck the other individual repeatedly in the head with a golf club. A third man heard the disturbance and attempted to intervene. When Richardson struck him with the golf club, the man stabbed Richardson, causing the fatal injuries.

 

The medical examiner ruled Richardson died from stab wounds to his sides. The report also documented the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine and methadone in his system. 

 

Drake says Oklahoma law allows the use of deadly force in defense of another person when someone reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm or the commission of a violent felony. As a result, Drake says no charges will be filed. The district attorney called the case "a tragic situation" and offered condolences to Richardson's family.