Swift action after Tulsa shootings praised

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Two men accused of going on a shooting spree that terrorized Tulsa's predominantly black north side face murder and hate crime charges, prosecutors said Friday. The announcement was praised by community leaders who had called for swift action by authorities.

Jake England, 19, and his roommate, Alvin Watts, 33, each were charged with three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of shooting with intent to kill and five counts of malicious harassment, prosecutors said. The harassment counts allege the victims were targeted because of their race.

"Sad as it is, it's a real victory for justice," said Rep. Seneca Scott (D-Tulsa).

Police say England and Watts, arrested early Sunday after a two-day manhunt, have confessed and appeared to have chosen five random victims. Three died and two others were wounded. All the victims were black and police have said one motive might have been England's desire to avenge his father's fatal shooting by a black man two years ago.

Clark Brewster, an attorney for England, said Friday that it's "a misplaced premise that he was motivated by any racial hate." Both men are being held in Tulsa County Jail and are to be arraigned Monday. First-degree murder is punishable by death or life in prison. -- AP