Four years after a devastating drive-by shooting in southeast Oklahoma City, Lexi Crawford, now 22, is telling her story of survival, resilience, and transformation. The young mother and aspiring nurse spoke exclusively with News 9 about the traumatic incident that nearly claimed her life and left her with permanent physical and emotional scars.
The shooting took place on May 24, 2021, near Southeast 48th Terrace and Sunnylane Road. Crawford, then just 18, was driving a friend home when her vehicle was ambushed in a hail of gunfire. Oklahoma City police later revealed that Crawford was not the intended target—but she paid the highest price.
“I Was in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time”
Recalling the moment bullets tore through her car, Crawford said, “I still have about six bullets inside me. Doctors said removing them could do more harm than good, so I just have to wait for them to surface naturally.”
Surveillance footage from a nearby Ring camera captured the terrifying scene, including Crawford’s desperate cries for help. While her family initially shielded her from the footage, she insisted on watching it to process what happened.
“I needed to see it. It was my reality, and accepting it helped me heal,” Crawford said.
A Life Rebuilt
Immediately following the attack, Crawford left Oklahoma to escape the danger and rebuild her life in peace. “I didn’t feel safe anymore,” she admitted. “But leaving gave me space to think about who I was and who I wanted to become.”
At the time of the shooting, she had just graduated high school and was spending time with what she now calls “the wrong crowd.” That night’s events became a turning point.
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“I realized I had to take control of my life,” she said. “I couldn’t go back to that world.”
Today, Crawford is a proud mother to a baby boy and is enrolled in college, with plans to begin nursing school. “I want to use my pain to help others. I understand trauma, and that gives me empathy,” she explained.
The Case Remains Open
Despite clear security footage showing the suspects and their vehicle, the case remains unsolved. Police believe Crawford’s friend was the actual target, but no arrests have been made.
“I still hope someone out there will come forward,” said Crawford. “Somebody knows something. I just want justice.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (405) 235-7300. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
An Advocate for Others
In the years since the shooting, Crawford has become an informal advocate for victims of gun violence. She frequently shares her story with at-risk youth, hoping to steer others away from dangerous situations.
“Getting shot didn’t end my life, but it changed it forever. I want others to learn from what happened to me without having to go through it themselves,” she said.
While her body still carries the physical remnants of that night, Crawford’s spirit has remained unbroken. With a new purpose and future ahead of her, she’s determined to turn tragedy into strength—one day, one class, and one heartbeat at a time.
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