Daren Gilson Puffinbarger, Second-Degree Murder, Oklahoma 2021

Oklahoma man guilty of murder by shooting and burning a victim in bed.

A federal indictment has led to the conviction of Daren Gilson Puffinbarger for his role in a heinous crime in Mayes County. On August 18, 2021, Puffinbarger shot Muscogee Nation citizen Lucas Sanders in the head six times while the victim lay in bed, then set fire to the victim’s body. This gruesome act of violence sparked a thorough investigation involving the FBI, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office.

The evidence collected during this investigation revealed that Puffinbarger used two small propane torch kits to start the fires. These kits were found in the bedroom where the crime took place. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case, which has led to a guilty plea from Puffinbarger.

The defendant, 32-year-old Daren Gilson Puffinbarger, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Indian Country. This conviction is a significant step towards justice for the victim and their family. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has committed to fully investigating violent crimes that occur within Indian Country and supporting victims and their families as they seek justice.

Puffinbarger is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. The exact sentence has yet to be determined. The case is a stark reminder that those committing heinous crimes in the Northern District of Oklahoma will be held accountable.

The Northern District of Oklahoma is home to several Native American tribes, including the Muscogee Nation. This case highlights the importance of federal prosecutors, victim specialists, and law enforcement working together to ensure that justice is served in these communities.

The victim, Lucas Sanders, was a 30-year-old citizen of the Muscogee Nation. His family and loved ones continue to seek justice for his tragic death.

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