12-Year-Old Shares Story Of Bravery After Witnessing Sister Shot, Killed

A 12-year-old watched her sister get shot and killed, then hid in a closet and bravely called 911.

Monday, October 12th 2020, 5:14 pm

By: Reagan Ledbetter

TULSA, Okla. -

A 12-year-old watched her sister get shot and killed, then hid in a closet and bravely called 911.

16-year-old Na’Veha Alexander and her aunt Chantel Deal were shot and killed at a home near Pine and MLK on October 7. Dean’s boyfriend, Howard Peeples, is in jail, accused of the murders.

Brinae Alexander Mason said her big sister Na'Veha always told her, if something ever happens to me, hide and find a way out of there. Brinae hid long enough to stay alive.

Brinae said her aunt Chantel had been fighting with her boyfriend. She said he pulled out a gun and shot Chantel and Na'Veha. Brinae was just feet away.

She said after Na’Veha was shot, Brinae knew she had to keep herself safe, because that's what Na'Veha would’ve wanted.

“I was scared, I was terrified, because I saw my sister there dead. That was just a lot for me because we were close,” said Brinae. "I was about to jump and scare her, but he shot her. And then she dropped and then he started looking for me and I was still behind the door."

Brinae said she hid in a closet and used Na'Veha's phone to call 911. There were four other children in the house too. Brinae said she was so scared that even after police got there, she stayed in the closet.

"I wasn’t sure if he was still in the house or not, so I still hid,” said Brinae.

Tulsa Police arrested Howard Peeples about a mile away.

Family and friends had a balloon release and prayer vigil to honor Na'Veha.

"She was always happy. She always tried to make people happy when they were sad,” said Brinae.

Brinae said she feels like a part of her is missing now, but she wants to make her sister proud.

"She's goofy, she always made me laugh,” Brinae said. “I couldn't stay mad at her. A tight bond, that will forever live.”

To help Na’Veha’s family with burial costs, you can donate to their GoFundMe link here.