Melvin James Battiest, Felony Murder, Oklahoma 1984

Fatal Robbery and Murder on Fort Gibson Lake

A chilling crime that shook the community nearly four decades ago has finally seen justice served. Melvin James Battiest, 60, has pleaded guilty to felony murder in Indian Country, in violation of 18 United States Code Sections 1111, 1151, and 1153. This conviction carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years.

The gruesome discovery was made on April 23, 1984, when deputies from the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a body found in the Wahoo Bay area of Fort Gibson Lake. An autopsy revealed that the victim, Donald Cantrell, had died from blunt force trauma to the head and chest.

During the subsequent investigation, Battiest admitted to robbing and murdering Mr. Cantrell, as well as stealing his truck and burning it. He led detectives to the crime scene, showing them where the heinous act took place.

The charges against Battiest arose from a joint investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Honorable Timothy D. Degiusti, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, accepted Battiest’s guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States in this case.

Battiest’s conviction is a grim reminder that justice can be slow, but it can be served. This case serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies working together to bring perpetrators to justice, no matter the time that has passed.

The community can finally find some closure knowing that the person responsible for Donald Cantrell’s tragic death is facing the consequences of their actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edok/pr/individual-pleads-guilty-felony-murder-indian-country