The Muskogee community is grappling with grief and a renewed call for justice following the arrests of two suspects in the tragic death of 21-year-old Ashton Wright. On March 31, 2025, Wright was found severely injured on a roadway near East Okmulgee and Frankfort Avenue, a quiet intersection in this Oklahoma city. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a devastated family, including his three-year-old son, Joshua. Seven weeks later, on May 20, 2025, Muskogee Police announced the arrests of Terrance Tunley, 20, and Kyren Boulware, 19, in connection with Wright’s homicide, offering a glimmer of hope to a family and community seeking closure.
Wright’s death sent shockwaves through Muskogee, a tight-knit community where such violent incidents strike deeply. His sister, Markaya Breshears, described him as a devoted father whose world revolved around his young son. “He loved his kid more than anything,” said Daylon Morris, a close friend, echoing the sentiments of those who knew Wright as a vibrant and caring young man. His grandmother, Patty Goodrich, remembered him as someone who never sought trouble, a “good, good boy” whose loss has left an irreplaceable void. The pain of his absence was palpable during a vigil held in early May, where family and friends gathered on 32nd Street, holding signs demanding “Justice for Ashton” and wearing shirts adorned with his image. The event was a poignant reminder of the community’s resolve to keep Wright’s memory alive and their determination to see accountability for his death.
Muskogee Police have worked tirelessly since the incident, dedicating the past seven weeks to gathering evidence, pursuing leads, and collaborating with partner agencies. Their efforts culminated in the arrests of Tunley and Boulware, with significant assistance from the United States Marshals Task Force. In a statement, the department expressed gratitude for the task force’s role in locating and apprehending the suspects, emphasizing that both individuals now face charges related to the homicide. Authorities have withheld specific details about the charges and the circumstances of Wright’s death to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, but they assure the public that the case remains active.
The involvement of the Northeast Oklahoma Indigenous Safety and Education (N.O.I.S.E.) organization has added another layer to the case. Wright, a citizen of the Mvskoke Nation, was reportedly pushed from a moving vehicle, according to family accounts shared with the organization. N.O.I.S.E. has been working closely with Wright’s family, advocating for a transparent and thorough investigation. Olivia Gray, the organization’s chairwoman, emphasized their commitment to ensuring accountability, stating that they will not allow Wright’s story to fade into silence. The group has called on community members to come forward with any information, noting that the incident occurred in a residential area during the evening, a time when witnesses were likely present.
For Wright’s family, the arrests bring a mix of relief and anguish. Breshears, who was only 16 when she lost another brother to violence, spoke at the vigil about the harsh reality of such tragedies. “You always think, ‘this can’t happen to us,’ until it does,” she said, her words capturing the suddenness of loss that has now struck her family twice. The community’s support has been a lifeline, with dozens joining the vigil to honor Wright and other victims of violence, a collective effort to ensure their stories endure.
As the investigation continues, Muskogee Police are urging anyone with information to contact Investigator J. Poffel at 918-680-3125. For now, the arrests mark a significant step toward justice for Ashton Wright, a young father whose life was cut short but whose memory remains indelibly etched in the hearts of those who loved him. The community waits, hopeful that the truth will bring healing and accountability in equal measure.
