Victims named, police release motive in deadly Saint Francis shooting spree
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) – Tulsa police say a man who opened fire inside a doctor's office Wednesday, taking four victims' lives before taking his own, was targeting a doctor he blamed for his back pain.
Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin said the shooter, Michael Louis, had back surgery two weeks ago and complained of ongoing pain, seeking additional treatment.
"We grieve with the families after this senseless tragedy," Franklin said. "We grieve with the co-workers. And we pray, and we pray, because we all need prayer."
Louis saw his orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Preston Phillips, again Tuesday and called seeking more treatment Wednesday before going on the rampage.
Franklin said they found a letter from Louis, in which the shooter said he intended to kill his surgeon and anyone who got in his way.
Franklin identified the other victims as Dr. Stephanie Husen, Amanda Glenn and William Love. Glenn worked there, and Love was a patient.
MORE: Community can donate to help families and employees affected by Saint Francis shooting
The police chief said Louis went into the doctor’s office – on the second floor of the Natalie Building on the Saint Francis hospital campus near 61st and Yale – with a semiautomatic rifle and semiautomatic pistol. Franklin described the rifle as “AR-15 style.”
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Franklin said Louis bought the rifle at 2 p.m. Wednesday, just hours before beginning his shooting spree.
Louis bought the pistol over the weekend from a pawn shop, Franklin said.
The first 911 call came in at 4:53 p.m., and officers arrived at 4:56 p.m.
As officers advanced through the medical building, they heard a gunshot, which Franklin said they believe was the self-inflicted shot that took Louis' life.
Police said there were no other injuries from the gunfire, though some were hurt running from the scene.
Multiple people were rescued, including a woman found hiding under a desk at the feet of the dead suspect.
“Yesterday will change Saint Francis, and it is up to us to not allow this horrible event, this situation, we can’t allow that to make us want to turn our back on the reason that we’re here,” said Dr. Cliff Robertson, president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. “We were all called into this profession to care for others and to care for our community.”
Mayor G.T. Bynum thanked all the agencies who responded. He said President Joe Biden's administration and Gov. Kevin Stitt have been in contact with him.
"Our focus right now is on grieving," Bynum said. "The shooter is dead. The threat that he brought to this campus has been ended."
Bynum called for Tulsans to rally around heroes at Saint Francis Health System.
“It isn’t enough to tell the team at Saint Francis how grateful we are for you," he said. "There is nothing we can say that will make the pain go away but we will walk with you every step of the way.”
MORE BELOW ON THE VICTIMS, PROVIDED BY TULSA POLICE.
Dr. Preston Phillips, 59
A 1990 graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Preston Phillips completed two fellowships at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston in 1986 and 1996. Dr. Phillips earned advanced degrees in organic chemistry and pharmacology, as well as theology from Emory University. Dr. Phillips most recently worked as a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with an interest in spinal surgery, joint reconstruction – including joint replacement and the treatment of fractures.
Dr. Cliff Robertson, president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System, called Phillips' death "the ultimate loss for Saint Francis and for Tulsa."
Dr. Stephanie Husen, 48
Dr. Stephanie Husen was a sports and internal medicine specialist with the Warren Clinic in Tulsa. She graduated from the Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Services medical school in 2000 and completed her residency at Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina.
Dr. Husen completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. The chapter shared the following message on Facebook:
"Today we mourn the loss of one of our own members of PC'92. Our hearts are with the family and loved ones who lost such an incredible woman. She was known and loved by so many and will always be remembered. No words could ever take away the pain of those affected, but know that we are here in full support and will continue to pray."
Amanda Dawn Glenn, 40
Amanda Glenn's family describes her as a full-devoted wife and mother, loving sister, and daughter. A true servant's heart, Amanda always put everyone else first. She was the happiest just being with her family, with the most amazing love for her boys and husband. Amanda worked in the medical field for over 18 years. Her family says she was always had the brightest smile and kindest spirit. She is survived by her husband, Jonathan Glenn, and two sons, Gabe Glenn and Ian Glenn.
William Love, 73
William Love was married to Deborah Love on August 13th, 1967. He was a retired Army First Sergeant with 27 years of service. He served one tour in Vietnam. William loved traveling and spending time with his family. He is survived by his brother, James Love, daughters and their spouses, Karen Love & John Wood, Cheryl and Bobby Lowry, along with eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
William Love's family would like us to share that at the time of shooting, William heard the gunshots and knew his wife would not be able to escape the building on her own. He sacrificed his life for her.
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KOKH staff contributed to this report.
