Gangs, Drugs Linked to Homicide

A man found dead near a wooded area in rural Lincoln County may be linked to drug and gang activity.

The Lincoln County Sheriff released the details they've learned so far about a man found dead near Wellston Wednesday. Deputies started investigating after two passerbys spotted the body around 5 p.m. Deputies who started the investigation found tire tracks and drag marks. They believe someone brought the man to the spot, drug him from the vehicle over and embankment, under a barbed wire fence and then stopped near the woods. That's where investigators say the suspects shot the man twice in the back of the head execution style. Deputies say the victim was bound around the ankles by shoe laces, his hands were tied with yellow and white ski rope and a pillow case was secured over his head with a loop of foil around the man's neck.

So far investigators have collected several pieces of evidence. From the crime seen near Northeast 150th and Pottowatomie Road they found two shell casings along with the body. Deputies have also seized a vehicle they think may be linked to the case. They also have identified two persons of interest.

Investigators have interviewed several people about the crime, however they say its been difficult due to the witnesses' states of mind. "It appears that a bunch of folks started getting high around 5 a.m. Monday morning and they haven't been to bed since. So everyone were talking to has been awake for the last three to four days," said Sheriff Charlie Dougherty. They do believe this crime and a home invasion and a possible abduction are linked. And they also say their may be linked to drug and gang violence.

Investigators have been working with several police department in their search for suspects. They've asked the Oklahoma City's gang unit to look up several people along with Del City's police department. They think a gang on Oklahoma City's south side may be responsible for the man's death.

The one piece of information all investigators need to know, the victim's name. They've released two photographs of his tattoos. The man had three initials tattooed on his left shoulder and a cross tattooed on his right shoulder. Sheriff Dougherty hopes these tattoos will help them identify the victim.

If you have any information about the crime you're asked to call either the OSBI at 1-800-522-8017 or the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at 1-405-258-1191. Gangs, Drugs Linked to Homicide

Posted: Thursday, October 25 2012, 10:29 PM CDT