Oklahoma Murder Suspect Dead Following Shootout With Police
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LEEDEY, Okla. - Federal and local police say an Oklahoma man accused in a string of violent crimes has been shot and killed.
Michael Dale Vance Jr. was killed in a shootout with a local deputy in Dewey County, Oklahoma, according to Dave Turk, spokesman for the U.S. Marshall's Service in Washington, D.C.
Oklahoma County Sheriff's office spokesman Mark Opgrande says Vance was killed near the town of Leedey, Oklahoma, 130 miles northwest of Oklahoma City.
Capt. Paul Timmons, of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, tweeted word early Monday of Vance's fate:
The hunt for Vance has ended, he was killed in a shootout with OHP Troopers earlier tonight
— Capt. Timmons (@capt_timmons) October 31, 2016
Vance was wanted on multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder. An intense search for Vance began after he shot and wounded two police officers on Oct. 23 in Wellston, 35 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, authorities said.
Vance, 38, was suspected of shooting a woman and stealing her vehicle at a mobile home park near Wellston, then driving about 8 miles to his relatives' mobile home in Luther and killing them.
Ronald Everett Wilkson, 55, had been shot and had stab wounds to his neck "consistent with an attempt to sever his head," an arrest affidavit said. Valerie Kay Wilkson, 54, had similar neck wounds along with defensive wounds on her arms, the affidavit stated.
Authorities also believe Vance filmed two Facebook Live videos documenting his run from police before going to the Wilksons' mobile home.
"It's one of those sad, happy days that our parents are finally at peace," a daughter of Ronnie and Valerie Kay Wilkson told KWTV after it was reported that Vance had been killed.
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