A weekend meant for celebration ended in tragedy after a 22-year-old groom was accused of fatally shooting his friend during a bachelor party in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
Authorities say Nolan Dain Engel has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Braden Uhlmann. The incident happened shortly before 1 a.m. on April 4 at a rental cabin where Engel and several friends had gathered.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Uhlmann with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.
Investigators say Engel admitted to being present at the time of the shooting. According to early findings, he told officers he heard knocking sounds and believed someone was outside the cabin. Acting on that belief, he allegedly fired a single shot through the door using a handgun.
Moments later, Engel and another friend went outside and discovered Uhlmann lying on the porch.
Officials have not confirmed whether Uhlmann was armed or why he was outside at that moment.
Engel was taken into custody and later released after posting a $250,000 bond. He is expected to appear in court later this month.
The case remains under investigation as authorities work to understand what led to the fatal decision. What began as a night of friendship and celebration has now left a family grieving and a community searching for answers.
