Tyler Peters
(PCSD file photo)
By Patti Weaver
STILLWATER — A driver, who left the scene after his truck fatally struck an OSU student on her 19th birthday as she walked in the intersection of Monroe Street and Cantwell Avenue on campus at 9:48 am on Feb. 22, 2024, has been given the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Tyler Ron Peters, 23, of Okarche, had pleaded guilty on March 14, under the Delayed Sentencing Program for Young Adults, to the fatal hit and run accident without an agreement with the prosecution regarding his penalty, court records show.
Peters, who was a 21-year-old OSU student at the time of the crash, was apprehended about two hours later at 320 E. McElroy Street in Stillwater, a police affidavit said. Peters, who was freed on $10,000 cash bond the next day, was taken into custody when he was sentenced by Payne County District Judge Jason Reese on Dec. 15.
The victim, Gabrielle “Gabi” Claudia Ann Long, a 2023 graduate of Stillwater High School, was a good student taking honors classes at OSU to pursue a graphic arts degree, her obituary said. She appeared unconscious and was transported by LifeNet ambulance to the Stillwater Medical Center with the intent of flying her to OU Medical Center but was not stable enough to make the flight and soon pronounced deceased at the hospital, a police affidavit said.
“Upon reviewing camera footage, OSU PD officers were able to identify the color, make and model, and distinguishing markers associated with the vehicle that hit Gabrielle Long. A BOLO (be on the lookout) was given to law enforcement agencies. Officer Droescher with the Stillwater Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a truck that matched the description of the vehicle involved. Mr. Tyler Ron Peters was the driver of that vehicle.
“Officers inspected the 2019 Chevy Silverado and found human material on the vehicle. Once it was determined that Peters’ vehicle was involved in the accident, Peters was arrested. Officers had reviewed various cameras in the area, as well as interviewed Peters.
“Reports show that Peters deliberately parked his vehicle in a different parking lot and came back to the scene to place a sweatshirt underneath Gabrielle Long’s head. Video footage, as well as officer reports, show that Peters saw emergency vehicles headed to the scene and left. Another camera showed Peters walking down the sidewalk and turning his head to view the emergency vehicles.
“Despite this, Peters continued to walk away from the scene. It was reported Peters went to a class for a test and then went back to his vehicle. No reports can determine if he went anywhere between school and the traffic stop initiated by Officer Droescher. Body camera footage shows officers discussing the vehicle looking like it had been washed.
“Interviews with Peters show he has denied washing the vehicle. While it is the belief that Peters did not kill Gabrielle Long intentionally, the negligent act, including Peters’ actions afterward, outweigh mitigating circumstances. Peters went to great lengths to avoid detection and prosecution.
“While it is recognized he returned to the scene with a sweatshirt to place under Gabrielle Long’s head, he left immediately after seeing emergency personnel responding. His actions were callous and reflected an indifference to human life and well-being. Given the above, this officer recommends a term of incarceration,” Oklahoma Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Officer Hope Cornett recommended in an offender accountability plan to the judge, court records show.
The victim’s parents “expressed they would like to see a 10-year sentence with no less than five years of incarceration,” according to the report.
“Gabi’s parents reported moving to Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 2022 because they felt it was safer for their family. Gabi began attending school at Oklahoma State University for Fine Art. Gabi had a passion for anime and was constantly drawing whether in a sketch book or on her iPad. Gabi’s parents state she was a compassionate individual who loved all living things.
“Gabi’s iPad was damaged in the incident and Apple is unable to assist the family in recovering Gabi’s drawings. The artwork the parents do have is being used to fund a scholarship named the ‘Gabrielle Long Memorial Scholarship’ for Fine Art students,” the report said.
