Oklahoma Bride-to-Be Plans Funeral After Fiancé Killed in 'Senseless Act of Violence'

Thelisa Sparks was preparing for her wedding to Brentley Joseph Mueller when he was shot and killed in Oklahoma City.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 3:23pm

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An Oklahoma bride-to-be is now planning a funeral instead of a wedding after her fiancé, Brentley Joseph Mueller, was shot and killed in what she described as a "senseless and brutal act of violence." The fatal shooting occurred on February 6 at an apartment complex in Oklahoma City, and police say the motive is unclear. Sparks recalled holding Mueller as he took his last breaths, saying she never imagined their "love story would end like this." The couple had been together for years and were set to get married in April.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of gun violence and the heartbreak experienced by victims' loved ones. Sparks' story underscores the urgent need for solutions to address senseless acts of violence in communities across the country.

The details

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to a report of a shooting at around 11:17 p.m. local time on February 6 and found Mueller suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he died. Police say it is "unclear what led up to the shooting" and no arrests have been made.

  • The fatal shooting occurred on February 6 at an apartment complex in Oklahoma City.
  • Sparks and Mueller were set to get married in April.

The players

Thelisa Sparks

The Oklahoma bride-to-be who is now planning a funeral instead of a wedding after her fiancé, Brentley Joseph Mueller, was shot and killed.

Brentley Joseph Mueller

Sparks' 42-year-old fiancé who was shot and killed in what she described as a "senseless and brutal act of violence."

Oklahoma City Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the fatal shooting of Brentley Joseph Mueller, stating that the motive is unclear and no arrests have been made.

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What they’re saying

“We never imagined our love story would end like this,”

— Thelisa Sparks (KOCO 5 News)

“I just remember holding him in my arms, crying and telling him, 'You gotta breathe. Look at me.' And he locked eyes with me and he's trying to take his last breath, and it was so freaking hard,'”

— Thelisa Sparks (KOCO 5 News)

What’s next

The Oklahoma City Police Department is asking anyone with information about the February 6 shooting to call its Homicide Tip-Line at (405) 297-1200.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the devastating impact of gun violence and the heartbreak experienced by victims' loved ones. Sparks' story serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for solutions to address senseless acts of violence in communities across the country.