Home Popular Worldwide

Remembering Detective John Brown: The First 48 Tulsa Detective Obituaries And Current Status Updates

• minute read
Contents

The world of true crime and the dedicated viewers of A&E's The First 48 were recently struck by the news of a profound loss within the Tulsa Police Department. As of today, December 24, 2025, the most significant and recent obituary to affect the fan-favorite Tulsa Homicide team is the passing of the beloved Detective John Brown. His death marks a major turning point for the department and the long-running television series, prompting many to search for updates not only on his legacy but also on the current professional status of the other familiar faces from the show.

This article serves as a comprehensive tribute to Detective Brown and provides the latest, most current information on where the other iconic Tulsa detectives from The First 48 are now, covering retirements, promotions, and new roles within the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) and beyond. The dedication of these men and women to solving cases in the critical first 48 hours has cemented their place in television history and in the hearts of the Tulsa community.

Detective John Brown: A Life of Service and Legacy

The news of Detective John Brown's passing on Sunday, August 3, 2025, left a void that fans of The First 48 and his colleagues at the Tulsa Police Department will struggle to fill. His calm demeanor, unwavering dedication, and insightful approach to complex homicide cases made him one of the most respected and recognized figures on the show.

Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: John Fitzgerald Brown
  • Birthplace: Oakland, Oklahoma (some sources cite Beggs, Oklahoma)
  • Department: Tulsa Police Department (TPD)
  • Total Years of Service: 35 years
  • Homicide Division Service: 13 years
  • Date of Passing: Sunday, August 3, 2025
  • Cause of Death: Reports indicate he passed away peacefully.
  • Career Highlights: Served in multiple divisions including Patrol, Burglary, Robbery, and Special Operations before joining Homicide.
  • Legacy: Remembered for his mentorship, deep commitment to victims' families, and his stoic, professional presence on The First 48.

Detective Brown joined the Tulsa Police Department on September 11, 1989. Over his 35-year career, he became a pillar of the department, known for his ability to connect with people and his methodical pursuit of justice. His work on the Homicide Division, documented extensively on The First 48, showcased the immense pressure and emotional toll of investigating murders, all handled with a quiet dignity that resonated deeply with viewers. Tributes from fellow detectives, including Reggie Warren and Mark Kennedy, highlighted his role as a beloved hero and dedicated family man.

Where Are They Now? Updates on Fan-Favorite Tulsa Detectives

While Detective Brown's passing is the most somber update, the careers of other prominent Tulsa detectives from The First 48 continue to evolve. The show has consistently featured a rotating cast of dedicated investigators, many of whom have either retired, been promoted, or moved to different units within the TPD.

Detective Ronnie Leatherman: Trading the Field for the Files

Detective Ronnie Leatherman was known as one of the most unflappable and "zen" detectives on the show, often providing a calm counterpoint to the high-stress environment of a homicide investigation. Fans will be interested to know that Leatherman has officially retired from the Tulsa Homicide Division.

His dedication to law enforcement, however, has not ended. Leatherman transitioned into a new role as a Crime Analyst within the department. This move allows him to continue contributing his decades of investigative experience by focusing on data and patterns, supporting active cases without the round-the-clock demands of a lead homicide detective. He remains a respected figure in the TPD and the true crime community.

Lieutenant Justin Ritter: From Homicide to High Command

Justin Ritter, a fan-favorite known for his sharp wit and meticulous case-building, is another detective who has moved on from the Homicide Division but remains a vital part of the Tulsa Police Department. Ritter was promoted to Corporal before making his quasi-departure from Homicide in February 2019.

His career progression continued, and he is now a Lieutenant within the TPD. Lieutenant Ritter currently oversees officers on patrol in the Gilcrease Division. While he no longer appears in the Homicide segments, his continued service in a supervisory role demonstrates a significant career advancement and his enduring commitment to the city of Tulsa. Fans occasionally see him in background or archival footage, a testament to his long-standing presence on the show.

The Evolving Roster of Tulsa Homicide Detectives

The nature of police work means the Homicide Division is always changing. For every detective who retires or moves up, new faces step in to take on the most challenging cases. Keeping track of the current roster is key to understanding the ongoing work documented by The First 48. The show continues to feature a strong team of investigators, maintaining the unit's high standards despite the departures of veterans.

Other notable Tulsa detectives and officers who have been featured on the show and continue to be relevant to the Tulsa PD’s operations include:

  • Lieutenant Chase Calhoun: A key figure in the TPD leadership, often seen managing the Homicide Unit's operations.
  • Detective Jason White: Known for his extensive 25-year career in law enforcement, including over a decade in the Homicide Division. He continues to share his insights into the demanding nature of the job.
  • Lt. Brandon Watkins: Another member of the command staff who has been featured on the show.
  • Sgt. Nathan Schilling: A familiar face who serves as a Sergeant within the department.
  • Sgt. Jeremy Stiles: An experienced investigator who contributes to the unit's ongoing success.
  • Matt Frazier: While a prominent figure for a time, he is no longer with the Tulsa Police Department.
  • Crime Analyst Margot Heyne-Bell: An unsung hero of the unit, she remains with the TPD, providing crucial analytical support for cases.

The dedication of these individuals—whether they are on patrol, in analysis, or actively investigating—is a testament to the commitment required to solve cases within the critical 48-hour window. The legacy of Detective John Brown and the continued service of men like Leatherman and Ritter ensure that the Tulsa Police Department remains a focal point for effective and compassionate law enforcement.

Remembering Detective John Brown: The First 48 Tulsa Detective Obituaries and Current Status Updates
obituary first 48 tulsa detectives today
obituary first 48 tulsa detectives today

Detail Author:

  • Name : Berry McCullough
  • Username : ortiz.dortha
  • Email : rschmidt@bayer.com
  • Birthdate : 1972-08-01
  • Address : 278 Olaf Lane East Melba, OR 41643-3961
  • Phone : 402-719-4257
  • Company : Wintheiser PLC
  • Job : Molding Machine Operator
  • Bio : Ut voluptatem excepturi enim et consequatur error qui. Veritatis saepe enim minus quibusdam. Et hic illo labore laborum qui vel. Voluptatibus ipsa at adipisci maxime eos sed aut animi.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/erin_official
  • username : erin_official
  • bio : Autem ut facere eveniet et. In qui corporis culpa beatae consectetur amet accusamus.
  • followers : 5446
  • following : 2558

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@o'conner2025
  • username : o'conner2025
  • bio : Minus quis omnis impedit voluptas velit aspernatur nesciunt.
  • followers : 1050
  • following : 2610

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/eo'conner
  • username : eo'conner
  • bio : Suscipit iusto hic eos dolore ut ab rem. Necessitatibus ea assumenda reiciendis architecto modi. Ad inventore nemo corrupti eius.
  • followers : 6419
  • following : 2109

linkedin:

facebook:

Random Posts