A Comanche County judge sentenced 17-year-old Jaquis J. Lipscomb to 33 years in prison this week for his role in the June 2024 shooting death of 23-year-old Sir Daniel Smith. Lipscomb was 14 years old at the time of the murder, and the sentences for second-degree murder, use of a vehicle in the discharge of a weapon, and a gang-related offense will run consecutively. Judge Grant Sheperd also granted Lipscomb credit for 873 days already served in detention, plus $4,310.50 in fines and court costs.
The case involved three co-defendants who received very different outcomes. Dwayne Smith Jr., 18, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is serving life with 25 years to serve. Curtis Pelham Jr., 17, was convicted and sentenced to 30 years. Investigators say the shooting stemmed from a conflict between“The 5ive,”a subset of the Bloods street gang, and the Hoover Crips, with the victim affiliated with the Hoovers.
For Lawton, the case raises familiar concerns about youth violence and gang involvement in a community anchored by Fort Sill and full of military families. It also puts a spotlight on how courts are handling juveniles charged with the most serious crimes. The legal process is now closed, but the conversation about keeping kids out of gangs and steering them toward mentors, sports, and stable homes is very much open.
What do you think is the most effective way to reach at-risk teens in Lawton before it’s too late? Let us know in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.