Triple Murder Suspect in Oklahoma and Alabama Killings Apprehended in Arkansas

MORRILTON, Ark. — Law enforcement officials have apprehended Stacy Lee Drake, a 50-year-old man wanted in connection with multiple homicides across Oklahoma and Alabama. Drake was captured on Thursday morning in Morrilton, Arkansas, following an intense multi-day manhunt that spanned several states and involved numerous law enforcement agencies.

Drake, who was described as armed and dangerous, is suspected of committing a series of violent crimes, including three homicides in Oklahoma and one in Alabama. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) had identified Drake as a person of interest in a double homicide that occurred on Tuesday evening in Gans, Oklahoma. Deputies from the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office discovered the bodies of an adult male and female inside a business near State Highway 64, both with injuries consistent with homicide.

The investigation quickly escalated when authorities linked Drake to another homicide in El Reno, Oklahoma, where Phillip Emerson, 56, was found dead in his home on June 14. Emerson's vehicle was reported missing and later found abandoned in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. The OSBI confirmed that Drake was the primary suspect in these killings, which were believed to have stemmed from carjackings.

Drake's criminal activities were not confined to Oklahoma. He is also wanted for the murder of 62-year-old Russell Thomas Andrews in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Andrews was found dead on May 14 at an Alcoholics Anonymous building. According to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, Drake had been in the Tuscaloosa area for several weeks prior to the murder, using a false name. After the murder, Andrews' vehicle was stolen and later seen traveling near the Arkansas-Oklahoma border.

The manhunt for Drake intensified when Arkansas State Police (ASP) received reports that he had been spotted in Morrilton, Arkansas. Surveillance footage showed Drake purchasing camping gear, leading authorities to believe he was still in the area. An emergency alert was sent out to residents, warning them of the armed and dangerous suspect.

On Wednesday, June 19, Drake was last seen on foot outside a motel in Morrilton. Law enforcement agencies, including the Morrilton Police Department, Conway County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas National Guard, and the Arkansas Division of Community Correction, collaborated in the search. The ASP released images of Drake wearing a green shirt and urged the public to report any sightings immediately.

The search culminated on Thursday morning when officers found Drake in a wooded area about half a mile from the Motel 6 where he had been spotted the previous day. He was discovered in a hammock and taken into custody without incident. Drake is currently being held at the Conway County Detention Center.

The capture of Drake brings a sense of relief to the communities affected by his alleged crimes. The families of the victims, including Tara Barnett Underwood, one of the Oklahoma victims, expressed their grief and remembered their loved ones. Underwood's sister described her as a "funny, bubbly, awesome girl" who will be deeply missed.

Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of Drake's criminal activities. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, carjacking, and murder, from various jurisdictions. The cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies was instrumental in apprehending Drake and preventing further violence.

Residents in Morrilton and surrounding areas are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

This case highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration and the swift action of law enforcement in apprehending dangerous suspects. The arrest of Stacy Lee Drake marks a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families.