House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, on Monday recognized the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Cold Case Team for its work to help resolve and bring closure to 98 cases since its creation in November 2018. Recognition took place in the Oklahoma House of Representatives' Chambers during daily session.  Members of the Cold Case Team recognized included Agents Tammy Ferrari, Dale Fine, Josh Patzkowski, Jim Skelton and Francia Thompson, and Criminalists Wendy Duke and Lesley Perry. "This team consists of a small number of talented, dedicated and tenacious professionals that are resolute and persistent about solving these cases," Newton said. "This work not only brings resolution for the Oklahoma families impacted by unsolved murders or when a loved one goes missing. It improves public safety of all Oklahomans."  Newton shared that the team's purpose is to review, collaborate and investigate some of Oklahoma’s most complex unsolved cases.  Currently, there are approximately 446 cold case homicides on this team’s radar and 56 cases involving missing and unidentified individuals. Newton said that through the Legislature's appropriations to OSBI, scientific and technological advancements at the bureau's Forensic Science Center have been made possible.  "This has assisted in the crucial role the OSBI’s criminalistics team, who have also been steadfast collaborators in finding answers for Oklahoma families," Newton said. Recent Highlights (2025–Present) include:   February 2025: A DNA match using genetic genealogy led to progress in the investigation of the 1982 murder of Donna Newberry, demonstrating the continued effectiveness of modern forensic techniques in historic cases. March 4, 2025: Two individuals were arrested in connection with the 1997 murder of Gerthie Carolina, marking a significant step toward accountability in a decades-old investigation. March 2025: Remains of Richard Vaughn Pewo, who had been reported missing in 1996, were successfully identified. Earlier efforts to collect family DNA samples played a key role in confirming his identity. Nov. 15, 2025: A statewide outreach event for families of missing persons was hosted in Tulsa. Families met with law enforcement, provided DNA reference samples, and received assistance updating missing-person case information. February 2026: Unidentified human remains discovered in Coal County in 1983 were identified as Olen Rowe, who had been missing since 1979. This identification brought long-awaited closure to his family.  The motto of the Cold Case Team is “Never Forgotten,” and they pledge to never forget. "These cases matter, and this team will remain unwavering in finding answers for the citizens of Oklahoma," team members said. "No matter how long it has been or how long it takes, the victims of unsolved cases will not be forgotten."  

OKLAHOMA CITY – State lawmakers who represent the Enid area this morning issued the following statement after a powerful tornado struck Enid and Vance Air Force Base. Reports show at least 10 injured and homes destroyed in a neighborhood on the south side of Enid. Reps. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, and John Pfeiffer, R-Orlanda, all represent a portion of Enid or the surrounding area.  "We are praying for those affected and thankful there are no casualties, according to early reports," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "We know, however, that the loss of a home or damage to a business can be life-altering. We also know that Oklahomans will rise to help their neighbors and there will be support in the days, weeks and months ahead as recovery takes place. We're thankful to all of our courageous first responders and to city, county and state personnel who worked tirelessly overnight to account for everyone. We're grateful, as well, to our amazing meteorologists who issued early warnings and alerts and who stay on the air through these storms to keep Oklahomans safe and informed. Their actions likely saved countless lives."  The lawmakers said there are reports of damage to Vance Air Force Base, including to perimeter structures and downed electrical lines, which is causing a loss of water supply. OG&E crews worked after the storm to restore service. The Grey Ridge Estate, directly east of the base and across U.S. Highway 81 was largely destroyed. Local emergency medical personnel searched and recovered all residents, and injuries were not serious, according to reports. The hope is for residents to be allowed back into the area today to begin to recover personal property. The representatives also report that linemen were out as soon as possible after the tornado to begin to restore service and minimize additional loss. It is reported the governor will tour the damaged area this afternoon along with city and county officials.

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, praised recent action by President Donald Trump to accelerate federal approval pathways for psychedelic-assisted therapies targeting mental health and addiction. Pae has authored several measures in recent years to study the use of certain psychedelic drugs for such treatments. The executive order directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to fast-track review of psychedelic therapies and expand research access for patients suffering from serious conditions such as depression and substance use disorders. It expands access to experimental treatments, including through pathways like the federal Right to Try Act . "President Trump's executive order marks a major step forward in addressing our nation’s mental health and addiction crises," Pae said. "Emerging research shows these treatments could offer real hope for individuals who have exhausted traditional options. I commend President Trump for responsibly accelerating research so we can better understand these tools and, if proven safe, make them available to those who desperately need help. I look forward to continuing this work in Oklahoma and supporting further study at both the state and federal level." Last year, Pae introduced House Bill 4293 to expand research opportunities and further evaluate the safety and efficacy of psychedelic treatments for Oklahomans struggling with mental illness and addiction. In 2024, he passed House Bill 2107 , which established a pilot program to study the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy for certain mental health conditions. The measure was approved in the House but was not heard in the Senate. Growing evidence suggest that psychedelic compounds may have significant therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression and substance use disorders when used in controlled, clinical settings. A 2025 study found that a single dose of lysergide, combined with psychotherapy, could ease anxiety for up to a year.