Who is Stephanie Dilyard? 7-Eleven clerk allegedly fired after shooting attacker in self-defense
Posted on: Nov 19, 2025 04:05 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Stephanie Dilyard, a former 7-Eleven nighttime clerk in Tulsa, was fired after shot a adult male who, she says, tried to strangulate her when she refused to take a counterfeit $100 bill.
According to KTUL, the ordeal began just before midnight on a Thursday when the suspect, later identified as 59-year-old Kenneth Thompson, threatened her life. “He threatened me … said he was gonna slice my head off,” Dilyard told reporters. When he grabbed her around the neck and pushed her out from behind the counter, she pulled out her firearm and shot him.
Thompson then fled, called 911, and was later arrested when seeking treatment at a hospital.
Also Read: Tremane Wood: Oklahoma man gets clemency; 2nd in Kevin Stitt's tenure
Dilyard had worked alone at the 7-Eleven from 11 p.m. To 7 a.m. For over two years, according to her own account to KTUL.
She told the media she still bears a scratch around her neck and burns on her finger from shooting the gun.
She told the reporters that she was faced with a choice to protect her life or to protect her job. “I felt like I was put into a corner between choosing between my job and my life….and I'm always going to choose my life….because there are people that depend on me,” she said.
Dilyard also expressed that she hopes her experience will serve as a warning. “I hope that women see that … you have a right to defend yourself.”
Also read: Ammonia gas leak from a tanker truck in Oklahoma sickens dozens and forces evacuations
On Monday, 7-Eleven allegedly fired her for using her own firearm. “They said that they were going to separate from employment because of a violation of policy,” Dilyard said.
Legally, she is protected under Oklahoma's self-defense laws. On the corporate end, there have been difficult questions about policies on weapon ownership and employee protection during after-hours staffing.
7-Eleven has not publicly clarified what specific policy she violated, and at the time of the report, had not responded to requests for comment to KTUL.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.