Former soldier accused of murdering mom

A year and a half ago Matt Strickland spoke to KRDO after he learned his girlfriend, Melissa Alexander, killed his one-year-old daughter Jocilyn while Strickland was out of state for military training.

“She meant so much to so many people. Now that she’s gone, everybody’s happiness turned into everybody’s sorrow,” Strickland said.

It’s unclear if his daughters’ death led to the shootout the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office said Strickland had with his mother and step father Thursday.

Authorities say all three were armed, got into an altercation and began shooting at each other. Dozens of bullet holes cover the front of the mobile home where the gunfight happened in Luther, Oklahoma.

Strickland’s mother, Jill Sides, was found dead inside. The 60-year-old stepfather, Ottie Sides, was shot multiple times and was taken to a local hospital. He’s expected to survive.

Police say Strickland was hit by bullets, but was not seriously injured because he was wearing a bullet proof vest.

Strickland is in the Oklahoma County jail on first-degree murder and shooting with the intent to kill charges.