FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 12, 2026 

An Oklahoma County jury has found 41-year-old Patricia Onyekwere guilty of Murder in the Second Degree in the fatal shooting of Vanita Gates. 

The conviction stems from an April 24, 2020, shooting in the 2100 block of S.W. 67th Street in Oklahoma City. According to detectives, Oklahoma City police officers responded to that location at 9:43 a.m. and found Gates lying in the street with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported a confrontation between Gates and Onyekwere prior to the shooting. 

During the altercation, Onyekwere pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and fired a single shot, striking Gates. Onyekwere claimed she shot Gates in self-defense.

The case experienced significant delays after the defense requested a competency evaluation in December 2021. In February 2023, the court found the defendant incompetent to stand trial and ordered treatment. Court proceedings resumed in September 2025 after the defendant was determined competent.

“This case illustrates how competency issues can intersect with the criminal justice system,” said Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna. “Defendants have constitutional rights, including the right to understand the charges against them and assist in their defense. While that process can take time, we remained patient and committed to pursuing justice for Vanita Gates and her loved ones.”Following the guilty verdict, the jury recommended a sentence of 20 years in prison.

Formal sentencing is scheduled for April 30 at 1:30 p.m. in Oklahoma County District Court.