Family of Murder Suspect Offers Alibi

An Oklahoma City murder investigation led police to arrest a 20-year-old Norman man.

Daniel Ramirez is the only person behind bars following a weekend shooting on the northwest side of Oklahoma City. On Thursday, family members of the suspect gave an alibi to News 9.

Ramirez is currently being held at the Oklahoma County jail. His family claims the whole thing is a case of mistaken identity, but police say otherwise.

8/8/2012 Related Story: Murder Suspect In OKC Sunday Killing Arrested In Norman

Ramirez is facing one count of first-degree murder and two counts of shooting with intent to kill. The suspect's own mother, Loretta Ramirez, admits that witnesses are placing her son at the scene, but says she is confident that's not the case.

"He's innocent, and I'm going to prove that he's innocent," Loreta Ramirez said. "It's hurting our family. It's just hard."

On Sunday, officers responded to shots fired near NW 10th and Council in Oklahoma City. Witnesses say a fight broke out resulting in gunfire. Raul Chavez was killed and two others were injured.

"[My son has] been home taking care of his baby," Loreta said.

8/6/2012 Related Story: OKC Police Search For Witnesses In Weekend Homicide

Loreta says she was with her son at her Norman home at the same time police say he was more than 30 miles away at the crime scene. On Wednesday, law enforcement officials rolled in and took her son to jail.

"It was scary," Loreta recalled. "It was unimaginable."

Ramirez has a criminal past associated with gangs. His brother insists he was trying to leave the thug lifestyle.

"He's come out of all that," brother Rudy Ramirez said.

Calls to police were not returned late Thursday. Family members are still waiting on formal charges to be filed, but they are praying that won't happen.

The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office is calling the arrest the result of great teamwork with other law enforcement agencies.