Published on: March 4, 2026, 12:35h.
Updated on: March 4, 2026, 12:35h.
- Two adolescents have received 17-year state prison sentences for a shooting incident at an Oklahoma casino in 2025
- The adolescents confessed to firing shots, injuring two individuals who managed to survive
- A service dog tragically lost its life during the shooting event in April 2025
Two teenagers have accepted plea deals related to the shooting incident that occurred in April 2025 at the Osage Casino Hotel in Oklahoma.
Malik Sampson, hailing from Tulsa, and Marquaveon Da’Shawn Goff, whose residence is currently unknown, were charged with committing a felony assault and battery with a deadly weapon in connection with the April 12, 2025, casino shooting. Additionally, Sampson faced a felony charge of shooting with intent to kill.
By foregoing their right to a jury trial, both teenagers consented to be sentenced by Judge Burl Estes, who imposed a 20-year incarceration sentence within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
However, the judge determined that Sampson and Goff were guilty of only 85% of the charges, likely since both shooting victims survived, reducing their sentences to 17 years. They will also receive credit for their time spent in custody since April.
Additionally, Estes mandated a Judicial Review of their sentences set for November 2030, which may allow reductions based on good behavior.
Details of the Osage Casino Shooting
In the early hours of April 12, 2025, a brawl erupted on the gaming floor of the Osage Casino. Operated by the Osage Nation, law enforcement from the Osage Nation Police Department and Osage County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a male and female with nonfatal gunshot injuries.
Casino surveillance footage later revealed the two suspects as Sampson and Goff. Following a week-long manhunt, both surrendered to law enforcement.
The injured individuals made full recoveries, but sadly, a service animal did not survive.
Sara and Blake Scowden were in a first-floor hotel room when they heard the sounds of gunfire. Blake, a military veteran, instinctively rushed towards the noise, fearing an active shooter was present. His trained service and therapy dog, who was meant to stay by his side, bolted out of the room alongside him.
Tragically, Blake’s devoted service dog, Cora, lost her life due to the events that unfolded. Although early reports indicated that either Sampson or Goff had shot Cora, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office clarified that surveillance footage only showed the dog fleeing the casino. Cora was later found deceased and covered in blood.
A Look at Oklahoma Casino Age Restrictions
In contrast to many other states, where casino entry is restricted, Oklahoma allows individuals as young as 18 to enter tribal casinos. While several commercial casinos and specific tribal venues enforce a minimum age of 21, Oklahoma’s regulations permit access for those aged 18 and older.