Aneta M. Huaman, a young woman full of promise and potential, tragically lost her life on May 10, 1994, after suffering a fatal head injury at the age of 26. The incident occurred just six days earlier on May 4, 1994, in a residential house in north Tulsa, Oklahoma. Aneta’s death has remained an open case for nearly three decades, leaving many questions unanswered and a grieving family still searching for justice. The tragic events surrounding her death have left a deep mark on those who knew her, and the ongoing homicide investigation continues to uncover complex connections to drug-related activities, though definitive answers remain elusive.
The fatal incident began as a seemingly ordinary event when Aneta and her common-law husband, Jesse Hankins, were housesitting for Hankins’ sister at the time. The house, located in a quiet part of north Tulsa, became the site of an unimaginable tragedy that would change Aneta’s life and the lives of those who loved her forever. Only 30 minutes after arriving at the residence, a chilling series of events unfolded.
According to Hankins, the couple was sitting in the house when they suddenly heard noises suggesting that someone was trying to break in through the back door. The sounds were alarming enough to prompt Hankins to act quickly. He reportedly spotted two men outside the residence and, in a panic, shouted at them to leave. In a moment of fear and uncertainty, Hankins fired a shot in the direction of the men, though he initially denied doing so when questioned. However, in the aftermath of the shooting, Hankins later admitted that he had fired the shot, though the reasons for his actions remain a topic of investigation.
The situation escalated quickly after the confrontation. Approximately 30 minutes after Hankins fired the warning shot, the residence was suddenly shot at with eight rounds. Tragically, Aneta, who was sitting on the floor talking on the phone, became the unintended victim of the shooting. One of the bullets pierced through the walls and a door, striking her in the head. Despite immediate medical attention, Aneta passed away six days later at Hillcrest Medical Center from the injuries sustained in the shooting.
As the investigation into Aneta’s death unfolded, detectives encountered significant challenges in their efforts to uncover the truth behind the shooting. While the initial assumption suggested a drug-related motive, concrete evidence has yet to emerge to confirm this theory. No witnesses have come forward to shed light on the events, and even the residents of the house where the crime occurred have proven unhelpful in providing leads or information regarding the identities of the perpetrators.
Adding further complexity to the case is the fact that just three days before Aneta’s shooting, the same residence was targeted in an earlier break-in attempt. On that occasion, three men forcibly entered the home, confronting the owner and several young children. Though nothing was stolen in the earlier incident, it raised questions about a potential link between the two events. Investigators suspect that the break-in attempt could be connected to Aneta’s death, but the lack of concrete evidence and unwillingness of witnesses to come forward has kept the investigation in limbo.
The two men responsible for the shooting on May 4, 1994, managed to escape the scene in an older model Plymouth car, but their identities remain unknown. Despite the efforts of local authorities to track down the suspects, no significant leads have emerged. As the years have passed, the case has become part of Tulsa’s growing list of unsolved homicides, with the details of the incident fading further into obscurity.
Aneta’s family, particularly her mother and siblings, have spent nearly three decades fighting for justice, hoping for the day when they will finally get answers. They are devastated by the loss of a young woman who had so much to give. Aneta’s death not only robbed her family of a loved one, but it also left a void in the lives of those who knew her. The pain of losing someone in such a violent and senseless manner has been compounded by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding her death.
In addition to the trauma experienced by Aneta’s family, the case has raised concerns about safety in the community. While there is no definitive evidence to suggest that Aneta was specifically targeted, the potential connection to drug-related activities and the earlier break-in attempt suggest that the events may have been more than just a random act of violence. The fact that such a horrific incident occurred in a residential neighborhood has left many in the area questioning their own safety and the security of their homes.
Despite the passage of time, the Tulsa Police Department’s Cold Case Unit continues to investigate Aneta’s death. Detectives have not given up on finding the perpetrators responsible for her tragic death, and they continue to encourage the public to come forward with any information that may help bring justice to Aneta and her family. While the case remains unsolved, the hope for closure remains, and the commitment to uncovering the truth is as strong as ever.
If you have any information that could be helpful to the investigation, the Tulsa Police Department is urging you to contact the Cold Case Unit at 918-596-9222 or through email at TPDColdCaseHomicide@cityoftulsa.org. Every tip, no matter how small, could be the missing piece that leads to a breakthrough in the case. The authorities are asking for the public’s help in uncovering the truth and bringing closure to Aneta’s family.
For Aneta’s family, the pain of losing her in such a violent and senseless manner has been compounded by the uncertainty surrounding her death. However, they remain hopeful that one day, the truth will come to light. They continue to remember Aneta for the vibrant and loving person she was, and they hope that, through the ongoing investigation, her legacy will be honored, and justice will be served.
As the investigation continues, the case of Aneta M. Huaman serves as a reminder of the countless families affected by unsolved homicides. The road to justice is often long and fraught with obstacles, but the search for answers must never cease. For Aneta’s family, the hope that the perpetrators will be found and held accountable for their actions remains steadfast, and they continue to seek closure in the memory of their beloved daughter and sister.
