Crime
Todd Patterson and Rachel Stewart killed in Suspected Murder-Suicide in Checotah
CHECOTAH, OK — Authorities are investigating a suspected murder-suicide involving a man and woman found dead Tuesday on 2nd Street in Checotah, near a home belonging to relatives of the male victim.
The victims have been identified as Todd Patterson and Rachel Stewart.
According to investigators, both individuals sustained gunshot wounds, and a firearm was recovered at the scene.
While the Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final determination regarding the cause and manner of death, law enforcement officials currently believe no other individuals were involved in the shooting.
At the time of the incident, a child—believed to be Stewart’s—was reportedly inside a nearby vehicle. Investigators do not believe the child witnessed the shooting.
The child is now safe.
In a complex and tragic turn, it has emerged that Stewart previously worked as a caseworker for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS).
She was reportedly assigned to a case involving Patterson’s children. According to the mother of Patterson’s two sons, Stewart and Patterson developed a personal relationship after her involvement as their DHS worker.
DHS confirmed that Stewart was employed with the department from August 2023 until three weeks prior to the incident.
In a statement released Wednesday, the agency said:
“This is a heartbreaking situation. We are continuing to work with local law enforcement during the investigation.”
Patterson’s family expressed shock over the incident, stating that he had been working hard to improve his life and comply with all expectations placed on him.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
Further updates are expected to be provided during the evening news broadcasts at 9 and 10 p.m.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.