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Who was Jonathan Nichols?
Jonathan Nichols was a former Oklahoma state senator who served from 2000 to 2012 as a Republican. He was also an assistant district attorney and a senior policy advisor for House Speaker Charles McCall. He was known for his legal expertise and his work on criminal justice reform. He was 53 years old and had a wife and two daughters.
How did Jonathan Nichols die?
According to the Norman Police Department, Jonathan Nichols was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his home on June 5, 2019. His wife, Talitha Nichols, called 911 after hearing a gunshot and finding his body. The police investigated the case as a possible homicide for a while, but later ruled it as a suicide. The motive for his death is unclear.
What was the reaction to Jonathan Nichols’ death?
Jonathan Nichols’ death shocked and saddened many people in Oklahoma, especially in the political sphere. He was respected and admired by both Republicans and Democrats for his intelligence, integrity, and service. Many of his former colleagues and friends expressed their condolences and tributes to him on social media and in the press.
Some of the statements made by prominent figures include:
- House Speaker Charles McCall: “He was a valuable member of my staff and a friend. Jonathan was a very proud man, but he served humbly.”
- State Senator Rob Standridge: “Senator Jonathan Nichols was the most brilliant political, legal mind in the Oklahoma state Legislature, and worked tirelessly as a senator and for years on staff to help guide our state forward.”
- Governor Kevin Stitt: “Our prayers are with the family and friends of former Senator Jonathan Nichols. He was a great leader who served his district and the state of Oklahoma well.”
Jonathan Nichols’ death came just one day after another former state senator, Linda Collins-Smith, was found dead of a gunshot wound in her home in Arkansas. Collins-Smith was also a Republican who switched from the Democratic party in 2011. Her death is being treated as a homicide and the suspect is still at large.
However, there is no evidence that the two deaths are connected or have any political motive behind them. They appear to be tragic coincidences that have shaken the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas.
