Chad Hudgins Sentenced for Second-Degree Murder in Oklahoma

TULSA, Okla. – Today’s courtroom was a grim testament to justice as Chad Alan Hudgins, 35, of Bristow, faced the reality of a lifetime behind bars. The defendant was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell to 360 months imprisonment for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. To ensure his accountability, Judge Frizzell also ordered five years of supervised release following his prison term.

According to court documents, the tragic incident began with a well-being check request in December 2021. The Creek County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at Britney Smith’s residence where they discovered a disturbing scene. Blood marred the exterior of the home, and upon entering, deputies found Smith deceased. Witnesses revealed that Hudgins was dating Smith, a tribal citizen whose life was senselessly taken.

Hudgins confessed to his friend that an argument escalated into violence when he shot Smith. He then fled to Kansas, where authorities apprehended him with a loaded 9mm pistol in tow. Smith’s murder is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within Indian Country, and Hudgins will now face the consequences of his actions.

While Hudgins remains in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, the investigation into this heinous crime has been a collaborative effort. The FBI, Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police worked tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric O. Johnston and Julie Childress were instrumental in the prosecution of this case.

This murder is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across the country. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN strengthens community trust and supports local organizations preventing violence before it occurs. The program focuses on strategic enforcement priorities and measures results to ensure neighborhood safety for all.

For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.