Cherokee Nation Member Accused of Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country

Clint Johnson, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, dropped a bombshell today as he announced the results of the July 2024 Federal Grand Jury’s indictments. The most chilling case involves Rodney Eldon Hunter, a 55-year-old member of the Cherokee Nation, who is charged with second-degree murder in Indian Country.

According to the indictment, Hunter is accused of unlawfully shooting Darrick Orcutt from behind, resulting in his death. In addition to the murder charge, Hunter faces charges for carrying, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are leading the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston prosecuting.

Joseph Scott Campbell, 54, of Jay, is facing his own set of charges for sexual abuse of a minor under 16 years old, an act that occurred in Indian Country. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury will be handling the case, which has been investigated by the FBI, Cherokee Nation Marshall Service, and Tahlequah Police Department.

In a separate case, Feliciano Ortega-Banderas, 21, of East Palo Alto, California, along with Mexican National Luis Enrique Rios-Soriano, 24, and Morgan Ashley Kirby, 20, of Tulsa, are charged with drug conspiracy, attempted distribution of methamphetamine, and attempted possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The DEA, Texas Department of Safety, and Oklahoma Highway Patrol have been collaborating on this investigation.

Arturo Procayo Rellanos, a Mexican national, 43, faces charges for unlawful reentry into the United States after being removed in March 2024. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations are investigating and prosecuting his case.

Joseph Shane Simmons, 48, of Owasso, is charged with receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography in Indian Country. The Owasso Police Department is the investigative agency, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert handling the prosecution.

Marcus Alexander Vasquez, 27, of Broken Arrow, is facing multiple charges including felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and carrying and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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