A man was sentenced today in federal court for shooting and killing an acquaintance during a small gathering at a Tulsa hotel, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Johnny Little Cook, 43, to 20 years in federal prison. Cook was further ordered to pay $1,600 in restitution for the victim’s funeral expenses.
Cook pleaded guilty to second degree murder in Indian Country on May 5, 2021. In his plea agreement, Cook admitted to shooting and killing XZavior Frost on Feb. 24, 2021. Cook killed the victim at a Tulsa hotel during a small gathering in one of the rooms. His body was found by cleaning staff on Feb. 25, around noon.
During an investigation by the Tulsa Police Department Homicide Unit, witnesses stated that the victim entered the hotel room to join the group, and Cook, who was already there, pointed a gun at the victim and shot him. One witness who had just arrived at the hotel claimed he saw Cook run from the room and heard him say “either I killed him or he’s faking it." Another witness said she witnessed Cook and the victim arguing the same day the victim was murdered.
Officers located and arrested Cook later on March 1. Cook stated in an interview that he felt threatened by the victim based on earlier incidents. He claimed that he thought the victim was reaching for a gun so he shot the victim. He then stated he thought the victim was reaching for another weapons so he shot him a second time. An individual who witnessed the crime stated that the victim possessed firearm in a holster but never drew the weapon.
Cook is a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Nation, and the crime occurred on the Muscogee Nation reservation.
The Tulsa Police Department, FBI, and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan V. Reininger prosecuted the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
