Police Reveal Circumstances Leading to Stabbing Death of 'Sweet, Hardworking' Okla. Teen

A 16-year-old boy in Oklahoma was stabbed to death three days before Christmas. 

Police in Oklahoma City responded to the incident that resulted in the death of victim Ryder Lewis on Monday, Dec. 23 around midnight.

Police say the 15-year-old suspect stabbed Lewis after they were seemingly “involved in an argument.”

Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene, per police. 

The suspect was arrested on a complaint of murder in the first degree. He was taken to the Cleveland County juvenile facility. (PEOPLE is not identifying the suspect because he is a juvenile.)

Police have said the killing represented the city’s 78th homicide in 2024. 

Sgt. Gary Knight of the Oklahoma City Police Department told ABC-affiliate KOCO that the incident stemmed from “an argument that got out of hand.”

He added, “It appeared the two knew each other.”

A GoFundMe page has been created in support of Lewis’ parents. 

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“While his parents should be preparing to celebrate Christmas with their teenage son, they’ll be planning his funeral instead,” the description reads. “Ryder’s passing is devastating, & has cast a long shadow on what should be a joyous season — a sweet, hardworking kid with a kind heart & a constant smile, he will be so missed.”

The fundraising page adds that Lewis and his father Jay are members of the Oklahoma National Stockyards, a historic livestock market.

In addition to the fundraising page, all BancFirst locations will accept deposits to “FBO Ryder Lewis, Newcastle, OK.”

“We hope you’ll join us in prayer & in action as we rally around the Lewis’ during this time,” the GoFundMe page reads. 

The Oklahoma National Stockyards also shared a tribute to the late teen on Facebook, writing that the organization’s members are “devastated by the news of his passing.”

“His parents should be celebrating Christmas with their teenage son, & are instead planning his funeral,” the organization wrote. “We invite you to join us in support for the Lewis family as they grieve this loss & navigate the days to come.”

Police urge those with information on the incident to call (405) 297-1200.