Ackerson Gets 50 Years for Jolene Walker Campbell Murder

TULSA, Okla. – The final nail in the coffin of a brutal case: Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, 30, of Webb City, Missouri, will likely die behind bars after being sentenced to 600 months – 50 years – in federal prison for the kidnapping and second-degree murder of Jolene Walker Campbell, a citizen of the Osage Nation. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell handed down the sentence today, followed by five years of supervised release. The sentencing concludes a multi-defendant case riddled with violence and intimidation.

“I hope the family of Ms. Campbell can find some sort of healing knowing the person who murdered their loved one will likely die behind bars,” stated U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The Justice Department will continue its relentless efforts to seek justice on behalf of missing and murdered Indigenous people.” The case highlights the ongoing crisis of violence against Native Americans, a problem the DOJ claims to be prioritizing.

Court documents paint a chilling picture. In July 2020, Ackerson kidnapped Jolene Walker Campbell. The victim’s body was discovered months later in a remote field in Mayes County, Oklahoma. The investigation revealed a harrowing chain of events: Jolene was robbed and abducted in Missouri before being driven across state lines, where Ackerson ultimately murdered her. This wasn’t a crime of passion; it was a calculated act of violence fueled by greed and a callous disregard for human life.

But the brutality didn’t end with Jolene’s death. Ackerson, along with several co-defendants, engaged in a systematic campaign to silence witnesses. Four individuals were targeted with threats and physical violence. These assaults included kidnappings, restraints with zip ties, blindfolding, duct-taped eyes, shootings, and beatings – all designed to prevent testimony or retaliate against those who had already spoken to law enforcement. The lengths they went to protect themselves speak volumes about their guilt and depravity.

The other defendants have already received their sentences. Sarah Michelle Humbard, of Joplin, Missouri, received five years of probation for Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant. Chloe Louise Stith, also of Joplin, Missouri, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release, for the same charge. Breanna Lynn Sloan, of Joplin, Missouri, received 240 months imprisonment and five years supervised release for Kidnapping Resulting in Death. David William Morris, of Joplin, Missouri, received 65 months imprisonment and three years supervised release for Tampering. Morgan Lee Bowman, of Joplin, Missouri, received 46 months imprisonment and five years supervised release for Tampering. Megan Louise Detherage, of Joplin, Missouri, received time served and one year supervised release for Misprison of a Felony. Jacob Ryan Scribner, of Joplin, Missouri, received 48 months imprisonment and two years supervised release for Conspiracy to Retaliate. Lane Ryan Bronson, of Joplin, Missouri, received a lengthy 228 months imprisonment and five years supervised release for Tampering.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department, and the Joplin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin B handled the prosecution. While justice has been served in this case, the scars remain for the Osage Nation and the family of Jolene Walker Campbell. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Indigenous women and the urgent need for continued vigilance and accountability.