Saturday, February 31st

    A rash of gruesome murders and heinous crimes have plagued the Oklahoma City area. Friday, a total of three horrifying crimes occurred, putting the metro area into a state of shock. Officials say that the crimes appear be linked but they are awaiting further confirmation. Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel plans to ask for the help of the FBI, and other federal agencies to aid in the investigation.

“Right now, we just want to put a stop to it,” Whetsel said. Whetsel also stated that they have several leads on the crimes, but Whetsel would not go into detail.
“There are still several things that need to be ironed out before we release info to the public,” Whetsel said. While Whetsel did not go into much detail, he did mention that the victims appear to have been chosen at random.
“None of the victims appear to be involved in drugs or illegal activity, so most likely they didn’t have enemies who would want to harm them like this,” Whetsel said. Whetsel also said that, because of the apparent randomness of the crimes, finding suspects or even people of interest is going to be harder than normal, even with the leads they have already been given.

The general public is in a state of shock. Bethany resident Becky Martin claims she will not leave her home until this crime spree is over.
“I’m going to stay right here with my family,” Martin said. “I don’t want to be another victim.”

Other citizens, such as Luther resident Frank Switzer are not as concerned.
“It sticks around in the back of your mind, but I’m going to keep living my life like normal,” Switzer said.

Sheriff Whetsel also stated that the citizens of the Oklahoma City metro area should be on alert. “We feel this may just be the beginning,” Whetsel said. “The people of Oklahoma need to remain calm, but at the same time cautious of suspicious activities.”

In today’s paper, you will read about these crimes. You will read about the University of Central Oklahoma student who found her roommate dead. You will also read about the Bethany High School students who had a near encounter with a man who is believed to have been Bobby Jack Simpson, an escaped psychiatric patient from Red Rock Behavioral Heath Services in Oklahoma City. You will also read about the gas station employee who saved the life of a woman and you will read about the Nichols Hills Youth who were murdered in their bedrooms. The four stories described above will all be discussed in today’s edition of The Oklahoma City Times.