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$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.

City wide trash clean up April 26
April 25, 2025
The City of Eufaula and Team Up to Clean Up are leading a community-wide trash cleanup to invite the community to participate in a trash cleanup event on Saturday, April 26. The event lasts from 8 a.m...
More foul weather expected
A: Main, news
More foul weather expected
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
April 23, 2025
A near drowning, two house fires caused by lightning, county roads washed out, Easter Egg festivities forced indoors and widespread flooding created chaos in the county last week. Not to mention stole...
Mystery surrounds the man who went missing
A: Main, news
Mystery surrounds the man who went missing
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
April 23, 2025
Memorial service Saturday A memorial service for Zachary Paul Smith Sr., 49, of Sand Springs will be held Saturday at Reach Church. Smith left Sand Springs on Dec. 8, 2024, and his skeletal remains we...
A: Main, news
Special meeting Lindsey Chapel May 1
April 23, 2025
District 2 County Commissioner will host a special meeting on Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m. to discuss new asphalt. This is a public meeting. All are invited. It will be held at Lindsey Chapel Baptist Chu...
Luches Warrior, Jr.’s Farewell Ride and Final Roundup
A: Main, news
Luches Warrior, Jr.’s Farewell Ride and Final Roundup
By LaDonna Rhodes Staff Writer 
April 23, 2025
On Saturday, April 12, a community came together to honor Checotah Roughrider Luches Warrior, Jr. ‘s “Farewell Ride and Final Roundup.” Friends and family lined the streets of Checotah for a fitting a...
Chamber recognizes Eufaula’s best and brightest
A: Main, news
Chamber recognizes Eufaula’s best and brightest
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
April 23, 2025
The Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce recognized several of its members for their service to the community during Thursday’s annual Chamber Banquet and Awards Ceremony. One of the most prestigious awar...
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Oklahoma City Bombing
A: Main, news
Oklahoma City Bombing
April 23, 2025
On the morning of April 19, 1995, an ex-Army soldier and security guard named Timothy McVeigh parked a rented Ryder truck in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. H...
A: Main, news
Missing Persons Day Saturday
April 23, 2025
EDMOND - The Missing in Oklahoma (MiOK) day will be held on Saturday, April 26, at the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute. Families of missing persons are encouraged to attend. ...
Abandoned on Easter Day
news
Abandoned on Easter Day
By Staff Reports 
April 23, 2025
Abandonment is becoming a huge problem in McIntosh County and if stricter laws aren’t enforced and money can’t be found for animal control within the city and within the county, residents are looking ...
news
20th Annual Checotah Roughriders Spring Trail Ride
April 23, 2025
April 25 and 26 (Friday night campout) Bring the whole family - Riding out at 11 a.m. Hayride available –Wagons welcomed! Contact Tray Warrior 918-617-3401 for tickets.
Still missing
news
Still missing
April 23, 2025
Peggy Mcguire, now about 37, was last seen in Eufaula on Nov. 16, 2015. Race: White/American Indian Ethnicity: Caucasian/Alaska Native Gender: Female Hair: Blond/Strawberry Eyes: Blue Height: 5’10” We...
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