McCurtain is a distant 27th in the state. Unsolved Mccurtain County Murders. Editors note: Over 20 years, from 2000 to 2019, there were 4,177 murders in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. When reached by phone, the McCurtain County Sheriff's Office declined to provide a comment to PEOPLE but said that the FBI is now investigating the recording. Deputies say they have a person of interest but have not released the person's name. Chaz Bearshield, Unsolved Murder from Oklahoma in 2012. [A deputy] goes, 'No, what?' Stoewe and her two dogs perished in the fire, which was allegedly set by two men. In December a man was charged in the death of a 12-year-old girl who disappeared in 1999, and Sanders said another 8-month-old homicide was solved a few weeks ago. First, there's the content of everything that the members of the McCurtain County Sheriff's Office and McCurtain County Board of County Commissioners discussed during an illegal meeting a stretch of audio that A Los Angeles citizen-reporter named James Edwin Richards was shot in his driveway for his local crime reporting, with the Los Angeles Police Department reporting that "Mr. Richards had received threats from local gang members, and his property was often vandalized prior to his murder.". More than 100 people gathered outside the McCurtain County Courthouse in Idabel on Monday, with many of them calling for the sheriff and other county officials to resign. I'm one to talk, since I have the pleasure of reporting on the arts. Earlier today, April 30, 2021, two arrest warrants for murder were obtained for James Henry Elrod III. It ranks second in firearm deaths on a per capita basis, behind Cimarron County and ahead of Jefferson County. Jurors deliberated about two hours late Tuesday before finding Michael Delozier guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. IDABEL McCurtain County's state-leading homicide rate shows no signs of slowing down. Authorities say the victim, who appeared to have died from multiple gunshot wounds, is a 46-year-old man from Oklahoma. It was not immediately clear if either has entered a plea to the charges or retained an attorney. "Not this day and age. The officials laugh again. Mar 22nd. The category includes assaults, accidents and suicides. "Take them down to Mud Creek and hang them up with a damn rope. "If a hair on his wife's head, Chris Willingham's head or any of those people that really were behind that, if any hair on their head got touched by anybody, who would be the bad guy?". So, while the world seems to become an increasingly dangerous place, you can find solace in knowing that there's plenty of opportunity to escape this weekend with some local events for all interests. Jennings then brings up the idea of hitmen, saying, "I've known two or three hitmen, they're very quiet guys and would cut no f-----g mercy.". Later in the recording which the McCurtain Gazette-News says was legally obtained because the recording was taken at a public meeting the conversation took another disturbing turn. 20It's hard to sit at my desk and contain my emotions as I watch the story unfold out of McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Ian Henry, The Associated Press could not immediately verify the authenticity of the recording. MCCURTAIN COUNTY, OK (KSLA) - McCurtain County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a deadly shooting. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Allen Shaw, 89, and Randy Sander, 65, have been charged with Second Degree Murder and Arson in connection to Stoewe's death. After the paper released the audio, protests began outside of the Board of County Commissioners office. The office said any findings will be "forwarded to the appropriate authorities for felony charges to be filed on those involved.". "I was completely appalled and frightened, quite frankly," Bruce told News 9 referring to what was said during the recording. In the recording, Clardy said authorities wrapped her body in tinfoil to preserve it, then Jennings asked if "she'd come apart?" He can be reached by email at wcarpenter@wyomingnews.com or by phone at 307-633-3135. Last September, an investigative reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Jeff German, was stabbed to death outside of his home. State Rep. Eddy Dempsey, a Republican who represents the area in the Oklahoma House, said the recorded comments don't reflect the values of his constituents and echoed Stitt's call for the four people involved in the conversation to resign. WebA McCurtain County jury deliberated for 45 minutes Wednesday before finding Ernest Alvin Lewis, 66, guilty of first-degree murder in the 1984 shooting death of Johnny Smith at an Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? The number of journalists who have been attacked or threatened is even larger. McCurtain County has a population of about 34,800. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A southeast Oklahoma newspaper has released the full audio recording it captured of county officials talking about killing journalists and lynching Black people. During the ensuing discussion, her wrapped remains were compared to barbecued food. "They are insignificant in my life, really," Manning says. Meanwhile, over at the Historic Atlas Theatre, Cheyenne Little Theatre Players is spearheading two nights of Silent Movies at the Atlas. "I've been in this office since 1988 and it's so much busier than it has ever been. On Tuesday, the Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association announced that Clardy, Manning and Hendrix were suspended from the association. James H. Tillman after being critical of his personal conduct and political policy. Will Carpenter, Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, Cheyenne, For only the second time in its history, the US Navy is beginning the slow, tricky process of taking apart a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, A Towering, Terrifying Demon Horse Isnt Even the Weirdest Part, Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Roman Polanski and the woman he pleaded guilty to raping pose together 45 years later, Hunter Biden appears in court for paternity case, March of Dimes walk looks to raise money for families facing pregnancy scares, Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023, US readies second attempt at speedy border asylum screenings. In Oklahoma County, there are 500 unsolved murders, some dating by to the 1950s. WebFive homicide cases from 2020 remain unsolved, placing the homicide units clearance rate at about 94%, a few percentage points lower than last year. Bruce Willingham said he has also turned over his audio recordings to the FBI and the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office and added he has had several conversations with federal investigators. Two people were shot to death and another stabbed to death in November. Renowned comedian and Cheyenne native Brandt Tobler is once again bringing his comedian friends to the stage at a local favorite brewery. Shakur was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas in 1996, which led to his death six days later. "I know that other than Oklahoma City and Tulsa, my district is right up there.". Gov. The state's overall per capita income for 2001 was $25,575. 6 Disturbing Unsolved Mysteries In Oklahoma That Will Leave You Baffled 1. The event begins at 2 p.m. Sunday. Jennings, who has been County Commissioner for District 2 since November 2020, started to discuss people wanting to run for sheriff. If you would like to look further into the number of murders in Oklahoma by year, you may visit the websites of many local, state, and federal law enforcement organizations, who often times publish comprehensive reports with more information about the crimes committed in that area over specific time frames. The newspaper has filed a lawsuit against the sheriff's office seeking body camera footage and other records connected to Barrick's death. Originally assigned to document Meredith's enrollment, Guihard soon turned his focus to the riot that broke out on campus. Okla. Girl, Caretaker Accused of Killing 4-Year-Old on Christmas, Missing Texas Woman Is Found Dead After Planning to Confront Boyfriend About Him Being Married, released portions of the audio recording and a transcription, County Commissioner for District 2 since November 2020, the Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association announced. "Bless her heart," Clardy continued. The prime suspect in the unsolved murder of E.C. She was last seen at about 9:10 pm that night at a gas station on the north end of town, merely 100 yards from her home. The McCurtain Gazette reported that the new audio includes more talk of harming journalists, as well as discussion of intimidating the local prosecutor. 2023 www.oklahoman.com. "We've got her on the Web site, we've got her on The conversation began with the officials discussing a house fire that took place on March 2, which claimed the life of 43-year-old Dannette Stoewe. Shannon Baldwin-Hokanson, Enid, 2012.. Shannon, a mother of 3, was last heard from Apr. Tonight is another Tobler and Friends Comedy Night at Black Tooth Brewing Co. The Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association announced that Sheriff Kevin Clardy, Sheriff's Investigator Alicia Manning and Trust Administrator Larry Hendrix have been suspended from the association. McCurtain County deputies investigating deadly shooting, Thousands without power in Shreveport-Bossier after bush hog hits pole. Leah Mahseet, Unsolved Murder from Oklahoma in 1997. All my life, we've always said we don't get enough recognition in southeast Oklahoma, Dempsey said. The co-founder and editor of The State newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, Narciso Gender Gonzales, was shot and killed by then-state Lt. Gov. Five hours later, jurors came back into court with the Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Clardy responds, "I've got an excavator.". Above all else, they accumulate into a larger theme and the reason why people seek to kill journalists fear. I'll save those comments for you to research yourself. I clearly remember watching a family of tourists search for the restrictions in their home country, then responding with a plain "Oh ". According to News 9, the recording was taken after Bruce Willingham the father of Chris Willingham left his recorder in the meeting in an attempt to prove officials were conducting business in secret, which would be in violation of the state's Open Meeting Act, the Associated Press reports. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Allen Shaw, 89, and Randy Sander, 65, have been charged with Second Degree Murder and Arson in connection to Stoewe's death. Just before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, a passerby called Amazon. I'd run for f-----g sheriff.". But we don't need this kind of recognition., 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The three day event, covered previously in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, gives attendees the chance to frolic through any and every variation of game for the entirety of the convention's run. Just before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, a passerby called authorities reporting someone was lying in the road just outside Hayworth on Goodwater Highway. "I am both appalled and disheartened to hear of the horrid comments made by officials in McCurtain County," Oklahoma Gov. There was an interactive map covering press laws throughout the world. In a Monday evening statement, the sheriff's office claimed the recording was "illegally obtained." KANSAS: In 1970, 12-year-old Kelly Lynn Albright went missing and was found dead in a field in Reno County. Unidentified Persons - Oklahoma Cold Cases Unidentified Persons are organized by county. For music fans, The Lincoln Theatre is hosting its second installment of the Local Music Showcase series. None of the four returned telephone calls or emails from The Associated Press on Monday seeking comment. He had just attended a boxing On, Thursday, April 29, 2021, during further investigation in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, the vehicle suspects fled in was recovered in the Hayworth, Oklahoma area by Sheriff Detectives. In McCurtain County, a $5,000 reward is being offered for help solving Crystal Kindrick's disappearance. Another great resource is Project: Cold Case, who, in partnership with the Murder Accountability Project, produced a comprehensive list of all of the unsolved homicides in each state from 1980-2019. According to this list, there were around 11,922 murders in Oklahoma during that nearly 40-year time frame. The whole conversation seemed deplorable, Senat said. "Since November things have been insane in McCurtain County," District Attorney Virginia Sanders said. Kevin Stitt said Sunday he was seeking the resignations of McCurtain County Sheriff Kevin Clardy and three other county officials: sheriffs Capt. I was shocked as I assume most people were not only about the comments about journalists, but the racist comments regarding African Americans. A homicide is a killing and can be either intentional, such as murder, or unintentional, such as manslaughter. "There is simply no place for such hateful rhetoric in the state of Oklahoma, especially by those that serve to represent the community through their respective office. First, there's the content of everything that the members of the McCurtain County Sheriff's Office and McCurtain County Board of County Commissioners discussed during an illegal meeting a stretch of audio that would fit well as an archived recording from the jailhouse of a pre-civil rights "sundown town." Clardy said, "So we get her in the body bag and Kyler goes, 'You do know what we gotta do now, right?' The worst year for Oklahoma Serial Killers. Girl, 2, Was Carried Out of House by Mom While 'Asleep or Unconscious' Before Vanishing, Oklahoma Man Gets Life in Prison for Murders, Including Cutting Out and Cooking Woman's Heart, 3 Dead, 3 Injured After Shooting Involving 'Several Biker Gangs' at Oklahoma Bar: Police, Family Says Black Man Was Found Decapitated in Mississippi, Believes He Was Targeted by 'Lynch Mob', 7 Virginia Deputies Charged in Death of Man Who Was Allegedly 'Smothered' in Custody, Tornadoes in 3 States Leave 1 Dead and Nearly a Dozen Injured: 'Praying for Oklahomans Impacted', Missing Woman Found Possibly Dismembered in Texas; Suspect Allegedly Searched 'How to Be a Serial Killer', Authorities Identify Remains as Missing Athena Brownfield 2 Weeks After Sister Was Found Wandering Alone, Pa. Police Arrest 'Supposed' Friend, Business Partner in Death of Mom Found in Shallow Grave, Texas Woman Charged After Husband Dies of 'Suspicious Illness,' Previously Investigated in Ex-Husband's Death, Everything to Know About Philadelphia Eagles Player Josh Sills and His Legal Controversies, Texas Man Accused of Murdering Girlfriend Who Planned to Confront Him About Being Married, Remains Found amid Search for Missing Okla. Adair County Alfalfa County Atoka County Beaver County Beckham County Blaine County Bryan County Caddo County Canadian County Carter County Cherokee County Choctaw County s If it was back in the day, when Alan Marston would take a damn Black guy and whoop their ass and throw him in the cell? As a highly publicized case in 2018, it's best to read about it on your own. McCurtain County also leads the state in injuries related to firearms for a 2 1/2-year period from January 2001 to June. ), "I know," Jennings says. Tickets should be still available at the door. The recording was taken after a March 6 county commissioners' meeting when county officials, including McCurtain County Sheriff Kevin Clardy, commissioner Mark Jennings, Sheriff's Investigator Alicia Manning and Trust Administrator Larry Hendrix were talking after the meeting, but did not know they were being recorded. According to the McCurtain Gazette-News, the conversation later turned to Bruce and Chris Willingham, a father-and-son reporter duo from the paper. Apr 14th Oswald Bear, Missing from Manitoba since 1969. Will Carpenter is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle's Arts and Entertainment/Features Reporter. "I don't know what the answer is.". "Yeah. Mar 23rd. Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for Attorney General Gentner Drummond, said the agency had received an audio recording and is investigating the incident, but declined to comment further. I had the pleasure of visiting the Newseum in Washington, D.C., before it closed in 2019, which has since been purchased by Johns Hopkins University to become classrooms, offices and event spaces because I'm sure D.C. needs more of those. OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma's governor is seeking the resignation of four county officials after a newspaper's audio recording apparently captured some of them complaining about two of the paper's journalists and knowing hit men and where two holes are dug. But you can't do that anymore. The cover of "Facing September," a murder mystery based on the case of Kelly Lynn Albright's murder. On Wednesday morning, Jennings resigned from his position as commissioner, News 9 reports. There is simply no place for such hateful rhetoric in the state of Oklahoma, especially by those that serve to represent the community through their respective office., The McCurtain Gazette-News released portions of an audio recording following a March 6 county commission meeting in which Clardy, Manning and Jennings appear to discuss reporters Bruce and Chris Willingham. The news also inspired me to Google a question I hadn't thought to ask prior the events in Oklahoma: how many journalists have been murdered on U.S. soil? Mar 23rd. Girl, 2, Last Seen 'Asleep or Unconscious' Being Carried by Mom from Drug House Is Likely Dead: Police, Oklahoma Mom of 2 Young Children Killed by Husband in Murder-Suicide: 'She Was a Great Mother', Missing Okla. Well, I couldn't find the answer to the first question, though I did gather that it's over 40 individuals. WebUncovereds website is home to unsolved homicides, such as the 1996 murder of Jody LeCornu, the 2019 murder o f Najah Ferrell, and the 2017 double-murder of Abigail WebThe Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is working a number of murders in rural parts of Oklahoma and many remain unsolved. Jennings tells Clardy and Manning I know where two deep holes are dug if you ever need them, and the sheriff responded, I've got an excavator., Jennings also said he's known two or three hit men in Louisiana, adding "they're very quiet guys., In the recording, Jennings also appears to complain about not being able to hang Black people, saying: They got more rights than we got.. Mar 23rd Rhea Ochoa, The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is working a number of murders in rural parts of Oklahoma and many remain unsolved. They are the kind of crimes that most people move to the country to try to avoid. So, when murder strikes a small town it can really rattle a community. There's the case of a couple found shot to death on Christmas Day. McCurtain County is in far southeast Oklahoma, bordering both Arkansas and Texas, in a part of the state often referred to as Little Dixie, because of the influence in the area from white Southerners who migrated there after the Civil War. Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles was arrested and charged with German's murder, for which he will stand trial on Nov. 6. MCCURTAIN COUNTY, Okla. (KTAL/KMSS) There are new details in the arrest of a McCurtain County man, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. McCurtain County had 169.8 firearms- related injuries per 100,000 population, well-ahead of second-place McClain County (80.0) and third-place Pushmataha County (76.9). Kevin Stitt is calling for the resignations of four officials in southeast Oklahoma after a newspaper's audio recording apparently captured some of them talking of knowing hit men and complaining about two of the paper's journalists. Apr 14th Kim Lertjuntharangool, Missing from Colorado since 2021. Mike Burke is the county's only cold case detective working, determined to A portion of the recording was released by the paper, and it also appears to capture one of the four making racist comments about Black people. Mar 23rd Eric McKay, Missing from Ontario since 1987. Manning then responds and mentions Chris by name. Kevin Stitt said in a statement to the Associated Press. The McCurtain County Sheriff's Office and Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case. The state average was 7.8. "They don't have a G-- d--- clue what they're getting into," Jennings says. Senat said under Oklahoma law, the recording would be legal if it were obtained in a place where the officials being recorded did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. ]", Jennings says he knows where two "big deep holes" are if "you ever need them." Chris Willingham, a reporter at the paper, is Bruce Willingham's son. This weekend, Kevin Hawkins was murdered in the parking lot of the Lewiston Apartments at 51st Street and Lewis Avenue. ", In a statement, U.S. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma said, "The recorded comments from community leaders in McCurtain County are reprehensible and embarrassing for the county and our state. "And then the medical examiner asked her, said, 'Hey we're fixing to go eat.' McCurtain County John Doe, Discovered in Oklahoma in 1989. Mar 23rd Morrison John Doe, Discovered in Colorado in 1977. "A lot of our violence statistics are related to poverty, so some of this may be related to income levels, some of it may be related to gun ownership.". According to the McCurtain Gazette-News, Stoewe ran inside her home while it was engulfed in flames in an attempt to rescue her pets. Mar 23rd. Mullendore died Wednesday night. Perhaps the most important piece was the memorial section a display of hundreds of journalists who had been killed while on assignment worldwide. Apr 12th Michael Franklin, Missing from Alaska since 1977. "Yeah, but here's the reality," Manning responds. "They bring no [inaudible.