Courtney Glenn Palmer: The Truth About His Murder Case
Courtney Glenn Palmer was a 23-year-old man from Tulsa, Oklahoma who was brutally murdered in 2016 after witnessing a shooting at an apartment complex.
Who Was Courtney Glenn Palmer?
Courtney J. Glenn Lee Palmer was born on June 18, 1993, to Aaron Palmer, Jr. and Deborah Wooden. His life story is one of family connections, personal struggles, and ultimately a tragic end that shocked the Tulsa community. As we look at who Courtney was, we see a young man who was loved by his family and friends, someone who had his whole life ahead of him before it was cut short in 2016.
Early Life and Family Background
Courtney was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where he spent the first nine years of his life. During his early years, he accepted Christ into his life at St. Andrew’s Baptist Church in Los Angeles. His childhood was marked by creativity and imagination – one of his parents’ favorite memories was how he would build toy cars out of anything he could find. This creative spirit showed his resourcefulness and imagination, traits that would remain with him throughout his life.
When Courtney was nine years old, his family relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma. This move represented a significant change in his life, introducing him to a new environment, new friends, and new opportunities. In Tulsa, he continued his education and eventually graduated from high school. The transition from California to Oklahoma was a defining period in Courtney’s formative years, helping to shape the young man he would become.
Courtney came from a large family. His parents were Deborah Wooden (mother), Aaron Palmer, Jr. (father), and Stanley Bufford (stepfather). He had numerous siblings, including TaMeka Palmer, JaMeka Palmer, Aaron Palmer, Artisha Moore-Palmer, Nakki Lytler, Aaron Palmer III, Bianca Palmer-Hurtz, Eric Palmer, and Cambra Palmer. This extensive family network provided Courtney with support, love, and a sense of belonging throughout his life.
Personal Life and Children
As Courtney matured into adulthood, he started his own family, which became the center of his world. He had three children: Dallis Fortenberry (whose mother is JaNeeka Fortenberry), and Shannon Daniels and Kourtney Palmer (whose mother is Shannon Daniels). Courtney was deeply devoted to his children, often referred to as “Daddy’s Babies.” Those who knew him remarked on how he always kept his children smiling and well-dressed. His commitment to his children was unwavering – they were truly his world.
Courtney was known for his joyful personality. Family members described him as having a comedian’s spirit, always bringing laughter and fun to those around him. Anyone who met Courtney was said to be blessed by his “loving expression of joy, laughter, fun, goofiness.” This positive energy and ability to make others smile was a defining characteristic that made him beloved among family and friends alike.
The Disappearance of Courtney Palmer
The events that led to Courtney Palmer’s disappearance and subsequent murder began with him witnessing a shooting in November 2016. This single event would set in motion a series of tragic circumstances that would ultimately lead to his death. The timeline of his disappearance reveals a disturbing case that would eventually shock the entire Tulsa community.
Witness to a Shooting
On November 8, 2016, a shooting occurred at the Tamarack Apartments in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Courtney Palmer was present during this incident and witnessed the shooting of a man named Carl Harris, who was hospitalized for about six weeks due to his injuries. The shooting was a significant event that caught the attention of local law enforcement, as they sought to understand the circumstances surrounding it and identify any potential suspects.
When police initially attempted to interview Courtney about what he had witnessed, they found that he was under the influence of PCP. Making a professional judgment call, the officers decided to postpone the interview until a later time when Courtney would be in a better state to provide accurate information. This decision to delay the interview proved to be a critical turning point, as it gave time for others to target Courtney before the police could speak with him.
The day after the shooting, on November 9, Courtney was reportedly seen speaking with a detective about the incident. This interaction would later be cited as the catalyst for the violence that followed, as certain individuals in the community perceived Courtney as cooperating with law enforcement.
Last Known Whereabouts
Courtney Palmer was last seen on November 10, 2016, just two days after the shooting he witnessed. When police returned to interview him about what he had seen, they discovered that he had disappeared. This sudden disappearance immediately raised concerns, especially given the timing so soon after the shooting.
One particularly worrying aspect of Courtney’s disappearance was the break in his usual routine of calling his mother daily. According to his family, Courtney reliably called his mother every day, and when these calls abruptly stopped, it was a clear indication that something was seriously wrong. The absence of these routine calls, combined with the fact that no one had seen him, deepened the concern about his welfare.
As days passed with no sign of Courtney, the police investigation intensified. Initially treated as a missing person case, the investigation would soon take a dark turn as evidence began to emerge suggesting that Courtney had met with foul play. The timing of his disappearance—right after witnessing a shooting and being seen talking to police—pointed to the possibility that his disappearance was connected to these events.
The Investigation
The investigation into Courtney Palmer’s disappearance was complex and multifaceted, involving collaboration between Tulsa police and authorities in Muskogee County. What began as a missing person case quickly evolved into a homicide investigation as disturbing evidence came to light. The detective work that followed would eventually lead to arrests and charges, bringing some measure of justice for Courtney and his family.
Initial Search and Rumors
When Courtney Palmer first went missing, the Tulsa Police Department began actively searching for him, concerned about his safety given the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. As part of their investigation, they put out public notices asking for information on his whereabouts. Their concern was heightened by the fact that Courtney had been seen speaking with a detective the day before he vanished.
During the early stages of the investigation, a disturbing rumor began circulating on the streets of Tulsa. There was talk that Courtney had been “fed to the hogs” in Muskogee County. Tulsa Police Homicide Detective Sgt. Dave Walker noted that this wasn’t the first time they had heard such rumors about missing persons in Tulsa. While the police had never actually found a victim who had been fed to pigs before, they took the rumors seriously enough to investigate them.
In an unusual investigative strategy, the police decided to share this rumor with the media. This decision proved to be crucial, as it led to a valuable tip that would advance the investigation significantly. The public sharing of this information prompted someone to come forward with information that directed investigators to a specific area of land in Muskogee County.
Discovery of Evidence
As the investigation progressed, police obtained and executed a search warrant for a North Tulsa apartment. What they found there was deeply disturbing – physical evidence indicating that someone had been tortured and beaten severely. Based on the evidence collected, investigators began to piece together a grim picture of what had happened to Courtney Palmer2.
According to police, Courtney had been lured to a house in Tulsa where he was subjected to a brutal beating. The assault was reportedly carried out by individuals who believed Courtney had somehow been involved in setting up the shooting of Carl Harris on November 8. This belief appears to have been the motive behind the violence, despite later statements from Harris himself that he didn’t believe Courtney had anything to do with his shooting.
The evidence suggested that Courtney had been beaten for approximately five hours before he died. Witness statements later revealed horrific details of the torture, including strangulation, stomping, and even having boiling water poured on his head. These details painted a picture of extreme cruelty and pointed to the identities of those responsible.
Finding the Body
Following the tip generated by the media release about the “fed to hogs” rumor, investigators focused their attention on a specific area of land in Muskogee County. On December 15, 2016, approximately one month after Courtney disappeared, authorities made a grim discovery – a body in a shallow grave. The land where the body was found was reportedly under the control of two of the suspects in the case.
The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and had been badly burned, making immediate identification difficult. However, based on the circumstances and evidence collected, investigators were confident that the remains were those of Courtney Palmer. As Sgt. Walker stated, “We’re there for Courtney. We find a body. The people that are arrested for beating him have control of that land. So, unless they’re serial killers, this body is more than likely going to be Courtney Palmer.”
A subsequent coroner’s report confirmed the identity of the remains and revealed the extent of the trauma Courtney had suffered. Several of his facial bones were broken, as were some of his ribs. The report also noted that his body was in an advanced state of decomposition. These findings corroborated the witness statements about the severe beating Courtney had endured.
The Murder Case
The murder case of Courtney Palmer involved multiple suspects and revealed a disturbing level of violence. The investigation led to several arrests and a complex legal process that would stretch on for years. The details that emerged during this process shed light on the horrific nature of the crime and the circumstances that led to Courtney’s death.
Details of the Crime
Based on witness testimonies and evidence collected by investigators, a disturbing picture emerged of what happened to Courtney Palmer on November 10, 2016. According to multiple witnesses, Courtney was attacked in a house belonging to Charletha Mack in North Tulsa. The primary assailants were identified as Gerald Lowe and Michaela Riddle, who were reportedly in a relationship at the time.
Witnesses described a prolonged and brutal assault. Courtney was allegedly beaten in the bathroom of the house, with Riddle hitting him with sticks while he sat in a bathtub filled with ice. At one point, Riddle allegedly poured boiling hot water on Courtney’s head. The assault continued in the hallway of the house, where witnesses reported seeing Courtney being strangled and stomped on while a blue dryer sheet bag was placed over his head.
The motive behind this horrific assault appeared to be a mistaken belief that Courtney had set up the shooting of Carl Harris two days earlier. Despite both Courtney and witness Janita Thomas repeatedly telling the assailants that he had nothing to do with the shooting, Lowe and Riddle continued their attack. Notably, Carl Harris himself later stated that he didn’t believe Courtney had anything to do with his shooting.
After Courtney died from his injuries, the suspects allegedly transported his body to a piece of land in Muskogee County. There, they attempted to dispose of the evidence by burning the body, possibly using a mattress as fuel. This theory was supported by the discovery of mattress springs at the burial site. DNA evidence later connected Lowe and Riddle to the crime scene through a sock found in a house near the burial site.
Suspects and Arrests
Following their investigation, Tulsa police arrested three individuals in connection with Courtney Palmer’s disappearance and death even before his body was discovered. The primary suspects were Gerald Lowe and Michaela Riddle, who were identified as the main perpetrators of the assault. A third person, Jeannetta Thomas, was also arrested in connection with the crime.
After the discovery of Courtney’s remains, the charges against these individuals were upgraded to reflect the severity of the crime. Gerald Lowe was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, desecration of a human corpse, intimidation of a witness, and committing a gang-related offense. Michaela Riddle faced similar charges.
A fourth suspect, Charletha Mack, was later charged with accessory to murder. According to court testimony, the assault on Courtney had taken place in Mack’s house, and she had failed to report the crime to authorities. Other witnesses to the crime, including Janita Thomas and her boyfriend James Barkins, provided crucial testimony about what they had seen but were not charged with crimes related to their failure to report the assault.
The investigation also revealed potential gang connections to the crime. During the assault, Riddle allegedly told Courtney “he ain’t from Hoover,” suggesting a possible gang-related motive alongside the mistaken belief that Courtney had set up the shooting of Carl Harris.
Legal Proceedings
The legal process for the suspects in Courtney Palmer’s murder extended over several years. Initially, prosecutors considered pursuing the death penalty for the most culpable defendants, but this option was later taken off the table in favor of seeking life sentences.
In December 2019, Gerald Lowe appeared in court and announced that he would take a “blind plea deal” in relation to the charges against him. A blind plea means that the defendant pleads guilty without any agreement with prosecutors about the sentence they will receive. Lowe was scheduled to return to court for sentencing in January 2020.
Michaela Riddle’s trial was scheduled to begin on December 13, 2019. As the case proceeded, multiple witnesses provided testimony about what they had seen during the assault on Courtney. This included Janita Thomas, who described seeing Riddle hitting Palmer with sticks and pouring boiling water on him, and James Barkins, who corroborated parts of this account.
Charletha Mack, the owner of the house where the assault took place, was released on bond while awaiting trial on charges of accessory to murder. During cross-examination in court, Mack admitted to initially trying to cover up the crime. She also provided a chilling description of Courtney’s last moments, stating, “They strangled him in my hallway and stomped on him till he couldn’t breathe anymore.”
The Impact and Legacy of Courtney Palmer’s Case
The brutal murder of Courtney Palmer sent shockwaves through the Tulsa community and left a lasting impact on his family, law enforcement, and the broader public. His case highlights serious issues of violence, gang activity, and witness intimidation while also serving as a reminder of the human cost of such crimes.
Family Response and Grieving Process
The Palmer family’s grief was profound and multifaceted. Losing a loved one is always difficult, but the violent and senseless nature of Courtney’s death made their loss even more traumatic. According to statements from the family, despite any issues or struggles Courtney may have faced in his life, they loved him deeply and were devastated by his murder.
Courtney’s mother, Deborah Wooden, expressed her grief with poignant words that reflected her faith and love for her son. “He missed his calling card to be a comedian,” she said. “He is up in heaven now, doing his thang. Keep the angels laughing son, God needs you more.” These words reveal both the personality of Courtney that his family cherished and their effort to find meaning and solace in the midst of tragedy.
The family also had to cope with the reality that Courtney left behind three young children who would grow up without their father. Dallis Fortenberry, Baby Shannon Daniels, and Kourtney Palmer lost not only their father but also the future memories they might have created together. The ripple effects of this loss will continue to impact these children throughout their lives.
Law Enforcement Response and Community Safety
Courtney Palmer’s case represented a significant challenge for Tulsa law enforcement. The investigation required collaboration between Tulsa police and authorities in Muskogee County, as well as careful collection and analysis of forensic evidence. The case also highlighted issues of witness intimidation, as Courtney was allegedly killed because he was seen speaking with police after witnessing a shooting.
Tulsa Police Homicide Detective Sgt. Dave Walker expressed concern about a pattern of disappearances related to activities in Muskogee County. “It’s an opportunity for those people in Muskogee that have information about this group of people who are doing this to come forward,” he stated. “We realize they don’t want to end up hog feed, we get that.” This statement reflects a broader concern about witness safety and the challenges of investigating violent crimes when witnesses fear retaliation.
The case also brought attention to the presence of gang activity in the Tulsa area. Court testimony revealed potential gang connections to the crime, with one witness recalling that Riddle told Courtney “he ain’t from Hoover” during the assault. This suggests that gang affiliations may have played a role in the violence that led to Courtney’s death.
Remembering Courtney Palmer
A memorial service for Courtney J. Glenn Palmer was held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at Schaudt’s Tulsa Funeral Chapel. This service provided an opportunity for family, friends, and community members to come together to honor Courtney’s memory and find collective solace in their shared grief.
The obituary for Courtney captured the essence of who he was to those who loved him: a devoted father, a beloved son and brother, and someone with a gift for bringing joy and laughter to others. It encouraged those who knew him to “keep his memories alive while cherishing what we have,” a reminder of the importance of holding onto positive memories even in the face of tragic loss.
Courtney’s legacy lives on primarily through his three children, who carry forward his bloodline and, hopefully, some of the positive qualities he was known for. His case also serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Courtney Glenn Palmer?
Courtney Glenn Palmer was a 23-year-old man who witnessed a shooting in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 8, 2016. He was last seen on November 10, 2016. Investigators believe he was lured to a house in North Tulsa where he was tortured and beaten to death by individuals who wrongly believed he had set up the shooting. His body was later found in a shallow grave in Muskogee County on December 15, 2016.
Who were the suspects in Courtney Palmer’s murder?
The main suspects in Courtney Palmer’s murder were Gerald Lowe and Michaela Riddle, who were charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, desecration of a human corpse, intimidation of a witness, and committing a gang-related offense. Charletha Mack, the owner of the house where the assault took place, was charged with accessory to murder. A fourth individual, Jeannetta Thomas, was also initially arrested in connection with the crime.
What was the motive behind Courtney Palmer’s murder?
The primary motive appears to have been a mistaken belief that Courtney had set up or was somehow involved in the shooting of Carl Harris on November 8, 2016. This belief was compounded by the fact that Courtney was seen speaking with a detective the day after the shooting, which some interpreted as cooperation with law enforcement. Ironically, Carl Harris himself later stated that he didn’t believe Courtney had anything to do with his shooting.
How was Courtney Palmer’s body discovered?
Courtney Palmer’s body was discovered after police shared a rumor with the media that his body might have been “fed to hogs” in Muskogee County. This unusual investigative strategy led to a tip that directed investigators to a specific piece of land in Muskogee County. On December 15, 2016, authorities found a badly burned body in a shallow grave on this land, which was later identified as Courtney Palmer.
What happened to the suspects in Courtney Palmer’s murder case?
In December 2019, Gerald Lowe took a “blind plea deal,” pleading guilty to charges related to Courtney’s murder without any agreement with prosecutors about his sentence. Michaela Riddle’s trial was scheduled to begin on December 13, 2019. Charletha Mack was released on bond while awaiting trial on charges of accessory to murder. The legal proceedings spanned several years following Courtney’s death in 2016.
What evidence connected the suspects to Courtney Palmer’s murder?
Police found physical evidence of torture and beating in a North Tulsa apartment. DNA evidence from a sock found in a house near the burial site matched Gerald Lowe and Michaela Riddle. Multiple witnesses provided testimony about seeing Lowe and Riddle assault Courtney, including details about them hitting him with sticks, pouring boiling water on his head, and strangling and stomping on him. The land where Courtney’s body was found was reportedly under the control of two of the suspects.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
