When picturing the stomping grounds of serial killers Oklahoma doesn’t quite come to mind…right? Well, Tiff is going to trample right over that belief in this week’s episode!
The Oklahoma City Butcher is an unidentified serial killer responsible for the brutal murders of three young, unhoused Native American women—Cathy Lyn Shakelford, Arley Bell Killian, and Tina Marcia Sanders—between 1976 and 1986. All victims were subjected to brutal deaths at the hand of someone unknown. Cathy, 18, was found in an abandoned house, her mutilated body parts scattered, while Arley, 22, had her body parts discovered by children playing basketball. Tina, also 22, was found in a similar gruesome manner, indicating a pattern of violence against women from marginalized backgrounds. Despite investigations, including connections to notorious serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, the cases remain unsolved, highlighting the alarming rates of violence against Native American women, who are often overlooked in criminal reporting. The killer is believed to still be at large, prompting ongoing calls for information from the public.
This episode comes with listener discretion due the graphic deaths. Trigger warnings for various kinds of abuse as well.
If you have any information, please contact OSBI Cold Case Unit at cold.case@osbi.ok.gov or OKC Crime Stoppers at 405*235*7300…or you can visit their office or mail them a tip at 700 Colcord Dr, OKC, OK 73102 or contact Oklahoma City Police Department at 405-297-1180
Sources:
The Daily Oklahoman: April 17, 1986; November 30, 1993