Victim Identified In SW Oklahoma City Homicide; Police Searching For Suspect

The Oklahoma City Police Department has identified the victim of a homicide Friday night in southwest Oklahoma City. 

According to the report, officers responded to a welfare call just before 8:30 p.m. Friday, September 6 in the 100 block of SW 23rd St. Authorities found 28-year-old John White dead inside of an apartment garage. 

Police are investigating the death as a homicide. Due to signs of a fire at the scene, authorities are also working with arson investigators, police said. 

Jarnae Page said she’s known White since the 7th grade.

“I can’t believe it, he was one of my best friends,” said Page. “He had such a big heart. JD was funny and was the life the party.”

Police have released few details but confirm that White’s car is missing. White drove a 1999 Toyota Avalon with a Oklahoma tribal tag number CHO8775.

Friends said White’s phone and dog, a Mini Schnauzer/Yorkie mix named "Gizzy,” are also missing.

“I’m so angry because there (are) so many people that really deserved it more, he doesn't deserve to go how he did,” said Page.

Family said White aspired to become an architect. After losing both parents at young age, White was also determined to make money to help take care of his foster mother.

“I had a feeling due to the lifestyle that he led, it doesn't surprise me that he died young,” said Page. “What surprises me is that he died how he did, de did not go well. He didn't just slip away, he was murdered. He was taken from us.”

As Oklahoma City police continue to search for a suspect, friends and family search for answers and are now forced to say goodbye.

“I regret every second I didn't spend with him, every second that I will never get back,” said Page. “I love you JD.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Oklahoma City police homicide tip line at 405-297-1200.