Nathaniel Austin was found deceased on March 6th, 1998 in his home at 545 E. Zion in Tulsa, Oklahoma. No one has ever been arrested in his death. He was 71-years-old.

At 2:30pm that day the Tulsa Fire Department was called to the home due to a fire. Nate, as he was often called, was found on the floor, facedown, in his living room. His home was found to be ransacked. Cause of death was difficult to determine. The autopsy showed he didn’t have any outside injuries and that there was not enough soot in his lungs for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is also unknown but was likely due to arson. Witnesses in the neighborhood reported seeing a light blue 1970’s Chevrolet. It was driven by an unidentified man in his 40’s who was wearing a wide brim hat. The car was described as being very clean despite it’s age. One man found some of Nate’s credit cards on a street near his home. Nate’s cousin Jack Boyd was reported saying that he kept large amounts of cash on him and didn’t like using banks. Robbery is a possible motive.

Nathaniel was never married and had no children. He lived with his mother until her death. Nate was born August 24th, 1927 in Oklahoma. He was a retired piano teacher who worked in local elementary schools until his retirement in 1983. He then continued to teach privately after retirement. In addition, Nate was the organist at First Baptist Church in north Tulsa for 10 years. He has been described as an extraordinarily talented musician. He was beloved by both his students and the congregation of his church. Nate did not drive at the time due to his age but he often walked his neighborhood and he was adored by his neighbors. He is deeply missed.

Please call Tulsa PD with any information in the senseless murder of devoted teacher Nathaniel Austin at 918-596-9222.