In a quiet rural area of McClain County, the life of 69-year-old Katherine "Kathy" Geren, a White female, came to a tragic and unexpected end on April 13, 2026. Concern grew among her family members when they were unable to get in touch with her for several days. This unsettling silence prompted a relative to go to her home on State Highway 74, just south of Purcell, to check on her.
Upon arriving at the residence, the family member made a devastating discovery and immediately contacted
law enforcement. McClain County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to the home where they found Katherine Geren deceased inside. They also discovered the body of her 73-year-old husband, James Booker.
The preliminary investigation conducted by the sheriff's office pointed to a murder-suicide. It is believed that Booker shot and killed his wife before turning the weapon on himself. To assist with the investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation's Crime Scene Unit was called to the scene. Authorities have stated that they are not searching for any other suspects in connection with the deaths. The official cause and manner of death are pending a report from the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's office.
Known as Kathy to her friends and family, she was remembered as a beloved mother and grandmother. For 25 years, she was a familiar and friendly face at the Purcell Walmart, where her warm smile and sweet nature were well-known to customers. She was a mother of three and a doting grandmother and great-grandmother. In their grief, her family requested that those attending her funeral wear blue, her favorite color, or purple to raise awareness about domestic violence.
