logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
$2 million bond set for suspects in connection to homicide
A: Main, news
April 16, 2025
$2 million bond set for suspects in connection to homicide
By JOHN BLOCK STIGLER NEWS-SENTINEL

Two men are currently being held in the Haskell County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection to the homicide of Tina Mitchell, 56, of Stigler.

According to Haskell County Assistant District Attorney James Green, formal charges are expected to be filed early next week against Billy Mitchell, 49, of Stigler, and Jack Swanda, 39, of Muskogee. The two men are currently being held on a $2 million bond each for the homicide, which occurred on April 5.

Green said the duo is expected to make an initial court appearance on April 15.

The Haskell County Sheriff ’s Department reported receiving a 911 call at about 6 p.m. on April 5. Deputies traveled to a property between Garland and Cass, just off Tamaha Road to the east, where they spotted a male subject, later identified as Swanda, covered in blood.

According to Haskell County Sheriff Terry Garland, Swanda suffered stab wounds to both his neck and shoulder and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Upon release from the hospital, he was arrested and booked into the Haskell County Jail.

Tina Mitchell’s body was discovered with stab wounds and multiple apparent gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to a press release issued by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI).

OSBI and local law enforcement began searching for Billy Mitchell after he was identified as a suspect. He reportedly fled on foot and was found hours later hiding at a nearby property. He was then arrested and booked into the Haskell County Jail.

The next morning, deputies and agents continued their search of the property and discovered a second deceased individual. The individual was transported to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death.

Garland said that he expects the death to be a result of foul play and that the sheriff ’s office will have more information once the medical examiner’s reports are released.

As of press time, the deceased individual’s name has not been released.

“I hate it for the families, because that’s who it affects the most right now, because they have to deal with it. The families are in our thoughts and prayers, and we’re doing everything we can possibly do to make this as easy for them as possible,” Garland said.

Reindeer lands in Kiwanis Park
news
Reindeer lands in Kiwanis Park
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 24, 2025
Families gathered at Kiwanis Park on Thursday, Dec. 18, to celebrate the holiday season with festive cheer and a cup of Christmas cheer. The Eufaula Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Hot Chocolate...
The newest dog at the Eufaula pound is a real sweetheart and all he wants for Christmas is a fur-ever home with YOU
news
The newest dog at the Eufaula pound is a real sweetheart and all he wants for Christmas is a fur-ever home with YOU
December 24, 2025
The newest dog at the Eufaula pound is a real sweetheart and all he wants for Christmas is a fur-ever home with YOU. Paws N Claws is also looking for sponsors for his $85 adoption fee and spay/neuter ...
God’s Helping Hands provides Christmas meals for hundreds
news
God’s Helping Hands provides Christmas meals for hundreds
December 24, 2025
For 25 years, God’s Helping Hands has been feeding hundreds of needy families during the Christmas season. “God’s Helping hands began 26 years ago,” said Director Richard Mc-Cool. “But we didn’t do it...
Eufaula decks the hall for inaugural holiday home tour
news
Eufaula decks the hall for inaugural holiday home tour
By Shauna Belyeu General Manager 
December 24, 2025
The Lake Eufaula Association (LEA) celebrated a successful launch of its first-ever Christmas Home Tour on Thursday, Dec. 11, drawing close to a reported 100 participants for a festive afternoon explo...
Christmases past and present
commentary
Christmases past and present
December 24, 2025
Christmas always brings a flood of emotions every year as I try to navigate all the changes of my Christmases past to my Christmas present. For so many years I had my whole family beside me each Chris...
May your season be bright and joyous
commentary
May your season be bright and joyous
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
December 24, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope each of you is looking forward to the upcoming Christmas break and will have time to spend with loved ones. As a Christian, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and is a ver...
ePaper
google_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Legislative Year One wrapping up
commentary
Legislative Year One wrapping up
By REP. TIM TURNER 
December 24, 2025
It’s the end of my first year in office representing District 15. It’s been very interesting to say the least. I wouldn’t trade this time for anything. In addition to helping with numerous constituent...
Dan Kirby conviction of involuntary manslaughter charge overturned
news
Dan Kirby conviction of involuntary manslaughter charge overturned
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
December 24, 2025
In March 2023, former Eufaula City Councilman Dan Kirby was indicted in federal court for involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country in connection with a motorcycle accident on July 23, 2022 that clai...
news
Navigating power and technology breakdowns
By GLEN MULREADY OKLAHOMA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 
December 24, 2025
In December 2007, Oklahoma experienced one of the most devastating ice storms in its history. The storm caused at least $200 million in damage statewide, and at the peak of the event, more than 641,00...
commentary
Bah Humbug to shame: Change the labels that haunt Christmas
December 24, 2025
Christmas week has arrived, and for many, it’s not always merry. While the season shines with joy and light, it can also stir painful memories— old regrets, lingering shame, and labels we wish we coul...
commentary
God’s divine interruption
By REV. THERESE STARR 
December 24, 2025
I have a little refrigerator magnet that says, “We plan; God laughs.” It’s a constant (and much needed) reminder that my own plans for my day, my week or even my life are not the final word as far as ...
Facebook

THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL
100 N. 2nd Street
Eufaula, OK 74432

(918) 689-2191

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 THE EUFAULA INDIAN JOURNAL

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy