Latest news with #OklahomaStateBureauofInvestigation
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Oklahoma lawmakers overrides Stitt's veto of the Missing Murder Indigenous Persons funding
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma lawmakers overrode Gov. Kevin Stitt and passed the bill allowing state funding for the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons. Earlier this month, Stitt vetoed the bipartisan bill saying, that while he supports efforts to solve missing persons and homicide cases, he could not endorse legislation that singles out victims based solely on their race. The unit within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation will focus exclusively on missing and murdered American Indians. Rep. Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa, who authored the bill, celebrated the veto override. 'Today, the Oklahoma Legislature demonstrated its unwavering commitment to justice and accountability by overriding the Governor's veto of House Bill 1137. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues in both chambers–Democrats and Republicans–who stood together to prioritize the safety and dignity of Indigenous communities across our state. Rep. Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa This vote is more than a legislative victory–it is a moral affirmation that missing and murdered Indigenous persons will not be forgotten or ignored in Oklahoma, he said. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., and the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma praised the lawmakers. 'This is a powerful and heartfelt step forward in the fight for justice,' said Margo Gray, Executive Director of United Indian Nations of Oklahoma. 'We are profoundly grateful to the legislators in both chambers who stood with Native families, survivors, and advocates across Oklahoma.' According to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), in 2016, there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls. However, the agency reported that NamUs only logged 116 cases, a significantly lower number than the number reported by the federal agency. In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation lists just 88 missing American Indians, including many Cherokee residents. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Failure all the way around': Oklahoma County DA not filing charges after K9 died in hot car
Oklahoma County District Attorney has declined to file charges after a Cleveland County K9 officer died of heat complications in 2024. According to the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, K9 Officer Dolar died on Sept. 19, 2024, while at a training session. Dolar, a Labrador retriever, was 3 years old when he joined the department in 2020 and worked with his handler at the Cleveland County Detention Center detecting narcotics. 'We are devastated by the loss of K9 Dolar,' said Sheriff Chris Amason at the time. 'Not only was he a remarkable working dog, but he was also a beloved member of our family. His contributions to our department and the community will never be forgotten.' The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry, and the Oklahoma County District Attorney's office carefully examined emails, photos, interviews and reports provided by OSBI to determine if charges should be brought. According to Oklahoma County DA Vicki Zemp Behenna, the vehicle Dolar was assigned to was not set up as a canine unit, did not have a built-in kennel or heat alarm system. In addition to the ill-equipped car, it was found that the vehicle had air conditioning issues, as it would stop blowing cold air when idling. This was known at the time of Dolar's death. "This was a failure all the way around," Behenna said in a press release. "...The vehicle that was properly equipped as a K9 unit was removed from Dolar's handler a month prior to Dolar's death. That vehicle was used as a pool car when another handler's vehicle was repaired. These were all contributing factors that led to Dolar's death." According to Oklahoma Drug Dog Standards and Guidelines, all vehicles used to transport police dogs should be equipped with a heat sensor monitoring device. "The unfortunate death of Dolar could have been prevented with the issuance of proper equipment to the deputy," Behenna said. "I hope moving forward that all Cleveland County Sheriff's Office K9 handlers are provided the appropriate vehicle and equipment to keep the K9 Officers safe and avoid another death like Dolar's." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma County DA not filing charges over K9 death in hot car
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Missing, murdered Indigenous people are a slient epidemic in Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People MMIP cases, with 85 tribal members currently missing, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. On May 5, a day meant to honor those missing and murdered Indigenous people, Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed House Bill 1137. The bipartisan amendment to Ida's Law removed the requirement to request federal funding, allowing the state to fund the Office of Liaison for MMIP. The veto consequently denies critical resources needed to bring loved ones home and to provide justice. Ida's Law is named after Ida Beard, a Cheyenne and Arapaho woman who went missing in Oklahoma in 2015. The law took effect in 2021 and was intended to address systematic issues impacting MMIP cases. Ida's Law created a formal infrastructure for MMIP cases and required the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to have a liaison to work with tribal governments and families to help coordinate investigations, limiting bureaucratic delays. Gov. Stitt's veto is the latest example of persistent institutional failures that cause untold harm and tragic consequences. As president and founder of the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Chahta (MMIW-Chahta), I have spent my life learning the real stories and meeting the families behind these devastating statistics and the institutional barriers that affect MMIP cases in our state. This crisis is a result of generational trauma, media mishandling, insufficient reporting and a lack of investigative resources to protect the disproportionately affected members of our communities. Rampant racial misclassification also means even more Native people may be missing, but their cases don't officially count. More: Oklahoma governor vetoes MMIP bill, saying investigators shouldn't prioritize cases 'based on race' As our nation reflects during National Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Month, we must confront the deep-rooted neglect and societal indifference that has perpetuated for centuries. We must keep fighting for those we love and have lost. House Bill 1137 received overwhelming support in both houses, demonstrating Oklahomans' desire to help those impacted by this crisis. In joining that effort, support Native organizations fighting for justice, amplify the voices of advocates and ― most importantly ― share their stories. Don't forget the individuals behind the statistics. Oklahoma positions itself as a center for Native culture and pride. We must also lead the nation in the fight for justice for Native people. Karrisa Newkirk is the President and Founder of the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women Chahta. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tribal women ignored in Stitt's veto of bipartisan bill | Opinion
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
OSBI seeks help with 25-year-old cold case
LOCUST GROVE, Okla. (KFOR) – The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is seeking information regarding the disappearance of 13-year-old David Allen Crabtree. According to OSBI, David was last seen on April 9, 2000, at his home in Locust Grove. OKC cyclists celebrate 'Bike to Work Day' May 16 Authorities say the right image is an age-progressed photo of David at age 31. If you have any information, contact tips@ or 1-800-522-8017. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Kiowa County man in custody after child sexual abuse investigation
KIOWA COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) – According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, a Kiowa County man has been arrested following a child sexual abuse investigation. Officials say on May 6, 2025, the Kiowa County Sheriff's Office requested the OSBI's help after being notified by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services has child sexual abuse materials were found on a computer belonging to 38-year-old Bradley Mason. LOCAL NEWS: One hit, injured by car in NW Oklahoma City Law enforcement served a search warrant at Mason's home in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma. It was later determined that he had manufactured child sexual abuse material. According to the OSBI, the evidence found by agents led to the arrest of Mason. He was booked into the Kiowa County Jail on charges of Manufacturing of Child Pornography and Peeping Tom. The investigation is still ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
