The Norman Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance inside the waiting area of the Norman Regional
Hospital – Porter Campus, 901 N. Porter Avenue, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on January 16. Upon arrival, officers located a hospital security guard with the individual later identified as 34-year-old Marconia Kessee. Hospital security advised that Kessee had been seen by medical staff and released from the facility, but refused to leave. The officers assisted Kessee into a wheelchair and escorted him outside of the waiting area.

Once outside, two NPD officers attempt to persuade Kessee to seek shelter at the Salvation Army located nearby. Despite repeated attempts, Keesee refused to leave hospital property. Due to his refusal, hospital security cited Kessee for trespassing. Kessee was taken into custody by the two officers and transported to the Cleveland County Detention Center. Prior to transport, Kessee was determined to be fit for incarceration by a hospital physician. The body camera video provided shows the two officers’ contact with Keesee.

NPD was later notified that Kessee was found unresponsive in his cell approximately two hours after being booked into
the detention center. Detention center staff called 911, and a medical response by the Norman Fire Department and EMSSTAT was initiated. Kessee was transported by EMSSTAT back to Norman Regional Hospital – Porter Campus where he was pronounced deceased.

Protocol following an incident of this nature includes a review of the body camera footage of the department’s interactions with Kessee. Following the review of the video, it generally appears that the officers followed basic protocol. There is no indication at this time that the actions of the two officers contributed to the death of Kessee. However, the department has launched an administrative review of the actions and disparaging comments made by the two officers. By policy, the officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation. The officers involved are Master Police Officer Kyle Canaan who has been with NPD since October 9, 2009 and Officer Daniel Brown who has been with NPD since October 4, 2013. The internal investigation is ongoing.

The death of Kessee is currently under investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. 

Watch the full body camera video of NPD’s interaction with Marconia Kessee:https://youtu.be/MOz5zcePaEA