Various theories exist as to why someone would kill two young girls. Though, nothing will ever justify this cowardly act, we can't help but wonder "why?" --but more importantly, "who?"
An extensive search of the area around the crime scene revealed several meth labs within a seven or eight mile radius. One theory that has been considered is that the shootings were drug-related –an effort to hide illegal activity.
It has been suggested by the press and members of the public that this crime was merely the result of a motiveless thrill-killing.
One theory is that the crimes may have been sexually motivated. No information has been released suggesting this. Law enforcement says that the motive for the murders is unknown.
The next building in close proximity is the Arbeka Baptist Church –about a mile away. Marvin James Lowe, 52, the church’s pastor, was charged with 14 counts of lewd molestation, one count of rape by instrumentation, and one count of lewd exhibition of person. He was arrested in January of this year. The victims were children that attended his church with their families. The case was not connected to the double-homicide.
The OSBI has crossed state lines in their investigation, but feel strongly that the perpetrator(s) is local because the attack occurred in such a remote area.
If you have any information about this crime, please, call either the OSBI Hotline at 800-522-8017 or the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Office at 918-623-1122.