Rep. Fetgatter Comments on Henryetta Tragedy
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today released the following statement after law enforcement discovered seven bodies at a rural property east of Henryetta in Okmulgee County, including those believed to be missing teenage girls and a man at question in their disappearance.
"Our entire community is in shock and grief and mourning right now as the details of the past 48 hours have emerged revealing the deaths of two teenagers – Ivy Webster and Brittany Brewer – and five others. There are no words to adequately express the depth of pain and sorrow in Henryetta and Okmulgee County. I stand with those mourning during this time of unimaginable trauma and will work alongside to ensure anyone affected has the resources and support they need to get through this very difficult time. I know our local law enforcement and other assisting agencies are working nonstop to find answers to what happened. Henryetta Schools is making grief counselors available to students as needed. I appreciate so much the efforts of all who are assisting those who are grieving and striving to understand exactly what occurred here. I pray that God in his mercy will strengthen us as we seek answers. I pray the memory of this tragedy does not pass without everyone in our state taking note of things we can do to make Oklahoma better and brighter."
Details are still being released in this case, but as of Tuesday afternoon, this is what was known. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Okmulgee County Sheriff reported Monday that seven bodies were found at a home near Henryetta. The medical examiner will have to determine the identity of the bodies found. One is believed to be that of Jesse McFadden who was wanted on a bench warrant after failing to appear in court on charges of child pornography and soliciting sexual conduct/communications with a minor.
Also believed to be among the deceased were two teenage girls, Ivy Webster, 14, and Brittany Brewer, 15, who were feared to be with McFadden. Authorities have not released details of the other bodies found.
Fetgatter said he is questioning authorities about why McFadden was not held without bond in his latest charges. He was a registered sex offender who had previously served time in prison for a first-degree rape conviction.