Oklahoma Man Accused of Killing Mother in Dispute Over Car

Published on November 12, 2026, Tulsa police said John Tiffin is accused of running over his mother during a dispute over a car she had lent him. Karen Curthoys, 69, and her other son went to a driveway to retrieve the vehicle after Tiffin allegedly failed to return it. Tiffin, 31, faces counts of second-degree murder, assault and battery involving a dangerous weapon, reckless driving, and obstructing an officer.

Police said Curthoys stood in the space separating her own car from the borrowed vehicle. As her other son opened a door to confront Tiffin, who was inside the borrowed vehicle, Tiffin allegedly reversed. The car struck the other son with its open door and pinned Curthoys between the vehicles, authorities said.

Curthoys was taken to a hospital and died from her injuries on October 12. Tiffin was questioned and released before a judge signed an arrest warrant on Tuesday, police said.

When officers went to Tiffin’s home, he refused to come out. Police said a K-9 team found him in a bedroom holding two knives and trying to cut his neck. He dropped the knives after officers gave commands and was taken to a hospital before being booked into jail.