On the evening of March 17, 2025, Cheryl Niles-Okie, a 35-year-old white woman from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was tragically killed in a domestic incident at her residence on Heritage Boulevard. A distressing 911 call was placed around 10:18 p.m., during which a female voice was heard crying and a male voice was yelling in the background. Multiple gunshots were then heard before the call abruptly ended. Responding officers discovered Cheryl Niles-Okie deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.
Her husband, 36-year-old Robert Okie, was found with a gunshot wound and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Investigations revealed that Robert Okie fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself in what authorities have classified as a murder-suicide. The couple had recently moved into their home just two months prior. This incident has been described as isolated, with no other suspects involved.
Cheryl Niles-Okie was a well-known figure in her community, owning The Wild Iris, a flower shop in Clinton, New Jersey. She was celebrated for her vibrant spirit and dedication to her craft. Beyond her professional life, Cheryl was a devoted mother to three children: Caysen, 12; Makenna, 6; and Emma, 4. Her sudden passing has left a profound void in the lives of her family and the community she served.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established to support Cheryl's children, aiming to provide financial assistance for their immediate needs and future expenses. The community has rallied together, offering condolences and sharing memories of Cheryl's impact on their lives. This heartbreaking event has also sparked discussions on mental health awareness and the importance of addressing domestic violence, emphasizing the need for accessible support systems and open dialogue to prevent such tragedies in the future.
