Oklahoma dad and son, 3, die in suspected murder-suicide during bitter custody battle

Deputies are investigating the tragic murder-suicide of a father and his 3-year-old son in Woods County, Oklahoma , over the weekend.

Authorities responded to a distress call about a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a home southeast of Waynoka city limits just before 11:40 p.m. on Friday. Upon arrival, officers discovered that 36-year-old Tyler Hummer was already dead, while his 3-year-old son was still alive.

The boy was rushed to an Alva hospital but later succumbed to his injuries, officials reported. Both father and son had suffered gunshot wounds, according to the sheriff's office.

The Woods County Sheriff's Office suggested that a bitter custody dispute could be the motive behind the Waynoka man killing his son and himself.

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"Everyone is mourning," expressed Keith Dale, the undersheriff for Woods County. "It appears to be related to a child custody issue," Dale stated.

The sheriff's office has frequently visited the house where the shooting occurred over the past few years. Court documents reveal that Hummer and the mother of his son have been embroiled in a bitter custody battle since July 18, says KFOR .

The community of Waynoka was shaken by the devastating news, with Mayor Susan Bradford expressing the disbelief felt throughout the small Oklahoma town. "You don't ever dream of anything like that happening in your community," she told KOCO 5.

In the face of catastrophe, the mayor highlighted Waynoka's spirit of camaraderie and their readiness to support neighbors in need. "It's a very supportive community. We tend to rally around our folks that live here and help them when they need assistance," she added.

Bradford also noted how the close-knit community frequently saw the man and his son around town. "It's very disheartening, especially since these were people we were familiar with," she remarked.

Particularly now, Bradford revealed to KOCO 5, the town is rallying to aid the child's mother as she grapples with this life-shattering event. "The discussion is, what can we do to help this young mother that's reeling from this disaster in her life?" she stated.

As investigations continue, deputies are looking into various aspects surrounding this tragic case.

Woods County deputies emphasize the importance of mental health care in preventing such heartbreaking events.

"There's a ton of resources out there if people will just reach out to them. They can always call our office, and we will assist them however we possibly can to try and navigate through any crisis situation," Dale said.