Suspect In Custody After 15-Year-Old Tulsa Girl Shot To Death

Tulsa Police have a suspect in custody in the death of 15-year-old Britney Urena, according to Homicide Sergeant Brandon Watkins

Tuesday, December 11th 2018, 4:15 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa police arrested a man suspected of shooting and killing a 15-year-old girl. Police say 17-year-old Jose Zamarippa shot and killed Britney Urena.

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On December 2nd of this year, Britney Urena was turning 15 years old. Her family says she recently dyed her hair fiery red-a choice they say was just as bold and confident as her.

"She was a very strong, independent girl. She wasn't scared of anything," said Britney’s cousin April Garcia.

A little over a week after her birthday, police say Britney was with Zamarippa at the Belmont Apartments. Officers say the two were playing with a gun and Zamarippa pointed it at Urena and pulled the trigger. Britney died at the hospital.

"It sounds like kids who don't know how to handle firearms, handling firearms around each other inappropriately," said Tulsa Police Sergeant Brandon Watkins.

Britney's family says she was voted Prom Queen by her classmates this year.

They say she didn't have enemies only friends and they say losing her has been excruciating.

“I wake up every morning hoping that it was a dream and I just don't understand why they did that to her because she was so full of life and she just wanted to love everyone,” Britney’s cousin Denise Urena.

"I know she is in a better place but I just wish she was here with me," said Garcia.

The family says they won't be able to find any peace until they have answers.

“I don't understand why someone would go out and kill her," says Denise Urena.

The family has set up a Go Fund Me to help pay for Britney’s funeral: https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-costs-for-britney-urena

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