Neighbor Recalls Trying To Help Victim In Deadly Domestic Shooting In Oklahoma City

The neighbor of an Oklahoma City man accused of killing his wife said he tried to help the victim.

Police said 41-year-old Taryl Wallace shot his wife, 34-year-old Kala Wallace, at their home on Northwest 84th Street Thursday night. When officers arrived, Taryl Wallace was intoxicated on the front porch, according to the probable cause affidavit. The suspect's eyes were red and watery, and police could smell alcohol on him, the document said.

Therwin Stone, who lives next door, said he was inside his home when he heard gunfire. "I was just getting ready to get in the tub and I heard two shots at first," Stone recalled.

Stone said he then heard a third shot, so he told his wife and kids to take cover while he went outside. "My friend is hugged over his wife screaming and I see the gun on the ground," said Stone. "So my first instinct is to go grab the gun."

Stone said he tossed the gun under a car, out of Taryl Wallace's reach. He said he also tried to help Kala Wallace. "She had a wound to her chest so I went and asked her daughter to grab a towel for me," said Stone. "The man came to me asking for the gun. And I'm like, 'No!' I had him to go ahead and address his wife's wound to help her survive."

Officers arrived shortly after. Stone said Kala Wallace was still able to talk. But police said she died in the hospital the next day. "It's been not easy resting," Stone said of his reaction to Kala Wallace's death.

On Tuesday, crime scene investigators returned to the Wallaces' home to take photos and collect evidence. Although police said the motive was under investigation, Stone said Taryl Wallace had not treated his wife well. "He's been very violent to her. I talked to him. Me and my wife talked to him. We tried to get them to calm down. We had to step in on a couple of occasions," Stone said.

Police said Taryl Wallace was booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on complaints of domestic assault with a deadly weapon, possessing a firearm by a convicted felon, and carrying a firearm while under the influence.

The affidavit said Taryl Wallace was convicted in March 2008 in California for having sex with a minor.

Police said anyone with information on the shooting should contact the homicide tip line at 405-297-1200.