EL RENO, Okla. — A 23-year-old man charged with murder in connection to a fatal shooting at a Halloween party in El Reno has been acquitted by a Canadian County jury. The jury’s verdict was delivered on Monday, clearing Delsin Tsotigh of charges related to the deadly incident that occurred on the night of Friday, October 27, 2023.
Tsotigh was arrested after a fight with 29-year-old Justin Davidson reportedly escalated, resulting in Tsotigh shooting Davidson. The altercation took place during a Halloween party, and Davidson was hospitalized in critical condition shortly after the incident. He was later declared brain dead.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Tsotigh’s grandfather, Jacob Tsotigh, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Kiowa Tribe, spoke to the media, suggesting that his grandson had been the target of harassment, potentially motivated by racial factors. Jacob Tsotigh claimed that the situation was further exacerbated by Davidson, who he described as being much larger than his grandson and a source of ongoing threats.
Assistant Canadian County District Attorney Eric Epplin confirmed to News 4 that Tsotigh was acquitted of charges of first-degree murder and assault and battery with a deadly weapon. Following the jury’s decision, Epplin stated, “We respect the jury’s verdict,” acknowledging the legal process and the outcome.
The case, which brought attention to issues surrounding self-defense, race, and violence, has left many questioning the factors that led to the tragic events of that night. Tsotigh’s legal team argued that he acted in self-defense, while prosecutors contended that the shooting was a deliberate act of violence.
While the case has concluded in Tsotigh’s favor, the loss of life and the lasting impact on both families involved remain at the forefront of the community’s concerns. As the dust settles from the trial, the people of El Reno continue to grapple with the ramifications of a deadly altercation that occurred on what was supposed to be a festive evening.
The case highlights the complexities surrounding self-defense claims and the role that race and personal history can play in shaping the events leading up to violence. With the legal process now concluded, both families must come to terms with the tragedy in their own ways, while the community reflects on the painful events that unfolded that fateful night.
