Northeast Oklahoma man pleads to killing uncle he thought was an intruder

TULSA, Okla. – An Owasso man who shot his uncle, after mistaking him for an intruder, pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Bailey Warren Sparkman, 23, a Cherokee citizen of Owasso pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country.

Bailey admitted that although the uncle had recently been kicked out of the house, he had a room and belongings there. Bailey was unaware that his uncle had returned to the home when he went downstairs and saw someone standing inside looking out the back door. Bailey further admitted that he retrieved a gun and without trying to ascertain the identity of the person fired a single shot striking the victim in the back of the head.

Bailey faces a maximum sentence of 8 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A date for sentencing has not been set.

The Owasso Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni and Valeria Luster are prosecuting the case.