Suspect to go on trial for Neal Sweeney murder

TULSA - It's one of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent Tulsa history.

This week, the first trial is expected to get under way for the murder of Tulsa businessman Neal Sweeney.

Sweeney was shot and killed in September 2008 at his east Tulsa office.

Prosecutors believe Sweeney's murder was the result of a conspiracy led by Mohammed Aziz.

Prosecutors say Aziz wanted Sweeney dead because Sweeney cut off the gas supply to Aziz's convenience store.

Authorities believe Terrico Bethel, 26, was the gunman and they say Alonzo Johnson and Fred and Allen Shields were also involved.

Johnson, who authorities say provided the getaway vehicle, was later accused of conspiring with fellow inmates to kill Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris.

It's alleged Johnson also wanted co-defendant Allen Shields dead after Shields agreed to turn state's witness and testify against others accused of Sweeney's murder in exchange for a plea bargain.

But the case prosecutors had been building looked like it would unravel in April 2011 when Allen Shields committed suicide by shooting himself after holding his girlfriend's young daughter hostage.

However, in January of 2012 Aziz pleaded guilty to soliciting Sweeney's murder and agreed to testify against the other defendants.

This week, Bethel is expected to go on trial.

"Of course it has been a very long time coming for justice for the victims and for the community. We want to put the evidence on and get a verdict," said Harris.

Jury selection is expected to get under way Monday at the Tulsa County Courthouse.