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.
Authorities have released a significant update regarding the AMBER Alert issued in Austin, Texas.
Law enforcement officials confirm that the suspect connected to the case has been located, and the red 2017 Ford Mustang believed to have been involved has been recovered.
However, 12-year-old Jazzlyn Anzora remains missing.
Officials emphasize that the search for the child is ongoing and that she may still be in danger.
Missing Juvenile Information
Name: Jazzlyn Anzora
Age: 12
Height: 5 feet 3 inches
Weight: 140 pounds
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Jazzlyn was last seen around 12:00 a.m. on February 24 in the 1700 block of Wells Branch Parkway in North Austin.
At the time she was last seen, she was reportedly wearing:
- A red sweater
- A white long-sleeve shirt
- Christmas-themed pants
- Carrying a Nike backpack
Suspect Information
Authorities previously identified the suspect as 18-year-old Henry Mejia.
Description:
- Black hair
- Brown eyes
- Approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall
- Approximately 170 pounds
- Distinct shaved line on one eyebrow
Officials have confirmed that the suspect has now been located.
Further details regarding his status have not yet been released.
Vehicle Information (Recovered)
The vehicle believed to be associated with the case has been recovered.
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
Year: 2017
Color: Red
License Plate: VVK2712 (Texas)
Additional Identifiers: Aftermarket chrome wheels and a white logo sticker on the passenger-side window
Ongoing Search Efforts
The AMBER Alert was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety following Jazzlyn’s disappearance.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the investigation and coordinate search efforts.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating the child safely.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information regarding Jazzlyn Anzora’s whereabouts is urged to:
- Call 911 immediately if there is an immediate sighting
- Contact the Travis County Sheriff’s Office at 512-974-0845 (Option 3)
Officials stress that locating the missing child safely remains the top priority.