Family Of Luther Man Accused In Mother's Shooting Death Speaks Out

The son accused of shooting his mother and stepfather is being held without bond. And family members tell us it was an ambush.

Friday, May 3rd 2013, 6:28 pm

By: News 9


We are learning more about a deadly family feud that led to murder out in the small town of Luther.

The son accused of shooting his mother and stepfather is being held without bond. And family members tell us it was an ambush.

5/3/2013 Related Story: Luther Man Accused Of Shooting Mother, Stepfather Has Long Criminal Past

The family did not want to go on camera, but did say their father said Matthew Strickland showed up wearing a Kevlar vest, and fired the first shot.

The family of Junior and Jill Sides say they had not heard from Strickland in several years, until he showed up here at their Luther home near N.E. 122nd and Harrah Road on Thursday afternoon.

"It's been a long going conflict between them," said Sara Phillips, who says she is Junior's daughter.

She would not elaborate about the reason behind the conflict. But she was obviously stunned to hear that her stepbrother had shot her father as well as his own mother.

"I have spoken to my father, but he says he doesn't know the condition of my step mother," said Phillips, before she rushed to the hospital.

5/2/2013 Related Story: Investigators Working to Determine Cause Of Deadly Luther Shootout

Sadly, Jill Sides died at the scene, after being shot once in the head.

According to the family, Junior Sides was shot a total of four times, and is currently recovering in the hospital.

Junior's daughter in law says Strickland probably knew his mother had a conceal carry license and that he probably suspected guns were in the house.

The family had no problem letting burglars know that. But Thursday's shooting still caught friends and family by surprise.

Right now, Matthew Strickland is being held without bond in the Oklahoma County jail accused of first degree murder and assault and battery with a deadly weapon

Neighbors say Strickland had anger issues when he was a young boy, and remember him as being a rebellious teenager.

A spokesperson with the Oklahoma County Sheriff's office says Strickland is the one who called 911 to the home, and was waiting for deputies in his car when they arrived.

They say he also had two guns, and claims he acted in self-defense.

The Sheriff's department says Strickland claims he was the one shot first by his mother and stepfather, but that his bullet proof vest kept him from getting hurt.

We know Strickland had been charged with assault and battery on a police officer for hitting two Oklahoma County deputies back in 2010.

He's currently on active duty in the military. And we know his young daughter was murdered in Colorado in November of 2011.

A woman who babysat the young girl faces murder charges in that case.

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