Grieving woman plans funeral instead of wedding after fiancé's murder

Thelisa Sparks' fiancé, Brentley Joseph Mueller, was shot and killed at an Oklahoma City apartment complex.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A woman is grieving the loss of her fiancé, Brentley Joseph Mueller, after he was shot and killed earlier this month at a southwest Oklahoma City apartment complex. The two were set to get married in April, but now Thelisa Sparks is planning Mueller's funeral instead of their wedding.

Why it matters

This tragic story highlights the devastating impact of gun violence and the heartbreak experienced by those left behind. It also underscores the financial burdens faced by survivors when a loved one is suddenly taken, especially when funds were already earmarked for a major life event like a wedding.

The details

Police said Mueller, 42, was shot on Feb. 6 at an apartment complex on South Pennsylvania Avenue near Southwest 36th Street. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Sparks said Mueller was her "best friend, my partner, my soul mate," and the two had been together for years through ups and downs. She said the last six months marked a new chapter as Mueller got a job and was "giving his all to change his life around."

  • Brentley Joseph Mueller was shot and killed on February 6, 2026.
  • Thelisa Sparks and Brentley Joseph Mueller were set to get married in April 2026.

The players

Thelisa Sparks

Brentley Joseph Mueller's fiancée, who is now grieving his death and planning his funeral instead of their wedding.

Brentley Joseph Mueller

A 42-year-old man who was shot and killed at an Oklahoma City apartment complex on February 6, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“He helped me do everything. He was my best friend, my partner, my soul mate, and we just did everything together.”

— Thelisa Sparks, Brentley Joseph Mueller's fiancée (koco.com)

“He got a job. He really was giving his all to change his life around, and I think that's the hardest part. You change your life around, and then your life is just taken out of nowhere.”

— Thelisa Sparks, Brentley Joseph Mueller's fiancée (koco.com)

What’s next

Thelisa Sparks has created a GoFundMe to help pay for Brentley Joseph Mueller's funeral expenses.

The takeaway

This tragic story underscores the devastating impact of gun violence and the immense emotional and financial toll it takes on survivors. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of gun violence and providing support for those left behind.