TULSA, Okla. - Police in Tulsa were asking for the public's help as they investigate the death of an 18-year-old high school student who was the granddaughter of a Bloomington alderman.

Police arrested Jenks High School (Okla.) student, Theophilus "Theo" Fleming, 17, on a first-degree murder complaint after he gave inconsistent statements about how Kaitlyn Finnegan was killed Saturday, police records show.

"We believe that there may be individuals who might have additional information about this shooting. If there are, they need to come forward and talk to police," Officer Leland Ashley said Monday.

Finnegan, a Bishop Kelley High School student, is the granddaughter of Ward 5 Alderman Jim Finnegan. Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton confirmed Tuesday that Finnegan's absence at the City Council meeting Monday was because Finnegan was in Tulsa with his family.

Fleming initially told police he and two other people transported Finnegan to the hospital after she was injured in a drive-by shooting while walking a dog.

When police could find no evidence of a shooting at the location he showed them, he told officers that he accidentally shot her at an east-side residence, the arrest report shows.

Witnesses told police Fleming had a semi-automatic pistol in the front of his shorts and that he was in the living room of the home with Finnegan when the shot was fired.

"The suspect had the gun with him. At this time, we don't know where he got it," Ashley said.

Finnegan's friend, Hanna Sumners, said Fleming showed up the home of Finnegan's parents to tell them she was sick and in the hospital. Sumner said she and Finnegan's parents rushed to the hospital, but Finnegan had already died.

"She was the sweetest girl you would ever meet," Sumners told the Tulsa World.

All-school prayer

On Monday, Bishop Kelley High School held an all-school prayer service in the morning and Mass after school. The counseling staff, ministry team and chaplain were at the school throughout the day, said Principal Alan Weyland.

"Our prayers go out, obviously, to the family. Whenever a person dies so tragically it is so hard to comprehend and understand," Weyland said. "Certainly there are others involved and who were present. Their lives have changed to. They need prayers as well."

Fleming's grandfather, Theophilus Fleming Jr., said that his heart also goes out to Finnegan's family.

"It is a tragedy about the young lady who lost her life and it is a tragedy for the family. I know how they are feeling. I have lost a son and a father as well. I have the deepest sympathy for the family," he said.

Suspect's father killed

The teen's father, Theophilus Fleming III, was shot and killed by police after they tried to apprehend him in connection with a downtown Tulsa bank robbery in April 2001.

In August 1989, the teenager's great-grandfather, Theophilus Fleming Sr., was killed by an intruder in his home. The homicide, which may have been motivated by robbery, remains unsolved.

Meanwhile, Theo Fleming's attorney, Thomas Mortensen, said he has talked with his client as well as other witnesses who were there at the time.

"It's abundantly clear the shooting was not (the) result of any kind of fight or argument. Witnesses have indicated seconds prior to the gunshot, Theo and the victim were laughing and playing around," Mortensen said.

A bond reduction hearing has been requested for Wednesday, he said.