Three Charged With Murder In Norman Man's Homicide

The Pottawatomie District Attorney has filed murder charges against three men accused of shooting 52-year-old Albert Rider of Norman after he confronted them about a burglary at his home.

Wednesday, October 24th 2012, 1:23 pm

By: News 9


The Pottawatomie District Attorney has filed murder charges against three men accused of shooting 52-year-old Albert Rider of Norman after he confronted them about a burglary at his home.

Prosecutors charged James Isaac South, 35, and Bradley Austin Keith, 28, with first-degree murder, while Michael Preston Choate, 24, is charged with second-degree murder.

10/9/2012 Related Story: Third Suspect Caught In Homicide Of Shooting Victim In Pott County

Investigators say the three men broke into Rider's house on October 8, and burglarized the home. They say it appears Rider may have known about the burglary, and was driving around in his van searching for the suspects.

Investigators believe Rider found the suspects and confronted at least two of them. Their investigation shows Rider was shot while on a rural road in Pottawatomie County, more than three miles from his home.

10/8/2012 Related Story: Norman Man Crashes Van In Pottawatomie County After Being Shot

After he was shot, Rider crashed his van through a homeowner's gate, drove up to the house and asked for help. He told the 911 dispatcher he'd been robbed and shot.

He later died at OU Medical Center from a gunshot wound to his chest.

Pottawatomie County deputies were able to identify the three suspects within 24 hours, thanks to a cell phone with a bloody fingerprint on it. According to a court affidavit, the cell phone belonged to Bradley Keith, and was found at the scene of the confrontation.

Deputies also found the gun used in the homicide, which was stolen from Rider's home and found near the scene.

Deputies later discovered Choate had previously worked with Rider at an electrical company. They believe Keith and South planned to burglarize Rider's house, and Choate gave them a ride.

All three are being held in the Pottawatomie County jail.

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