Family, Friends Stunned After Tulsa Murder-Suicide

A murder-suicide in mid-town Tulsa stunned friends and family. Police say Kathy Jarvis shot and killed her 12-year-old daughter, Katelyn, then killed herself.

Wednesday, October 12th 2011, 6:32 pm

By: News On 6


Lori Fullbright, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A murder-suicide in mid-town Tulsa stunned friends and family. Police say Kathy Jarvis shot and killed her 12-year-old daughter, Katelyn, then killed herself.

10/12/2011 Related Story: Tulsa Police ID Mother And Daughter In Murder-Suicide

Kathy sent her sister a box of pictures and mementos along with a letter that told her of her plans. Her sister immediately called police, but when they got there, it was too late.

People who know Kathy Jarvis say she is the last person in the world they'd ever think would do something like this.

Cyndi Wheeler has known Kathy since they were in high school and their daughters were friends. She says Kathy was fun loving, easy going, kind hearted and loved to laugh. She says she was completely devoted to her daughter.

"She was a very pretty person on the inside and out. She'd do anything for you, was very helpful, very generous, very kind and she worshipped her sisters," Wheeler said.

Kathy studied cosmetology, but hadn't worked outside the home in many years. She was married in 1998 and Katelyn was born 15 months later.

Court records show her husband filed for divorce in August. She filed for a protective order a couple of weeks later, but it was dismissed for a lack of evidence.

She'd called 911 recently when her husband came to get some of his things and they exchanged words. Her attorney says there was no crushing debt, she received everything she asked for and she didn't seem to be in a crisis and was even talking about getting back into the job market. Wheeler says no one noticed any warning signs of what was coming.

"She was at every birthday party. My sister and Mary, her sister, I never attended, but, they had ginger bread making parties. It was always all about the kids," she said.

She says Kathy and Katelyn loved crafts and animals, and it breaks to hear to think of how desperate or hopeless Kathy must've felt, despite having a wonderful support sytem around her. She says their deaths are a great loss to many people.

"She was very loving, very, very attached to her sisters and for the most part, she was happy," Wheeler said.

Oklahoma ranks 13th in the nation for the number of suicides per capita with about 500 a year. There are groups that can help you before things become this desperate and suicide survivor support groups for those coping afterward.

Counselors are available at Edison preparatory school where Katelyn was in the sixth grade.

Learn More About Suicide Warning Signs

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