A family gathering in Valliant, Oklahoma, took a tragic turn, culminating in the shooting death of 60-year-old Vernell Neal on April 14, 2026. The fatal encounter followed a heated argument between Neal and his 47-year-old cousin, Carl Eugene Miller Jr. The dispute, which began at the home of Miller's mother, escalated when the two men agreed to a physical fight outside.
The situation intensified when Neal reportedly left the gathering and returned with a handgun, which he then fired
into the ground. Although a family member persuaded Neal to leave the premises, the confrontation was far from over. Neal drove his vehicle a short distance away and parked at an intersection. Miller, concerned that Neal was waiting for him, was initially hesitant to leave. After being assured by a family member that it was safe, Miller attempted to depart.
As Miller approached the intersection, Neal allegedly blocked his path with his vehicle. According to law enforcement reports, Neal exited his vehicle and pointed his handgun at Miller. In response, Miller, who was still inside his vehicle, put it in reverse and returned to his mother's house, where he retrieved a shotgun. When he drove back to the intersection, Neal was reportedly standing in the roadway and again pointed his handgun at Miller. From inside his vehicle, Miller fired the shotgun, striking Neal in the leg.
After being shot, Neal fell to the ground, his own pistol lying beside him. As he reached for his weapon, Miller got out of his vehicle and kicked the handgun into a nearby ditch. Emergency medical services were called to the scene, and Neal was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries. Upon arrival, law enforcement detained Miller at the scene and, after being read his Miranda rights, he was taken into custody. He later admitted to being a convicted felon.
Carl Eugene Miller Jr. has since been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm after a felony conviction. He was booked into the McCurtain County Jail. Records indicate that Miller has a history of felony convictions, including previous charges for firearm possession. Before he died, Neal reportedly told an EMS official that he had pointed a gun at his cousin.
