Michael Andrew Noyes, a 33-year-old White male from Chouteau, Oklahoma, tragically lost his life on June 5, 2022. A devoted husband and father, Noyes was known for his love of family and the outdoors. His sudden death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
The events leading to Noyes's death unfolded in the early morning hours at Three Fingers Bay, an area south of Chouteau.
An altercation broke out between Michael and his brother, escalating into a heated argument. In an attempt to de-escalate the volatile situation, Noyes's 14-year-old nephew brandished a firearm.
In a tragic turn of events, the firearm discharged, and Michael Noyes was fatally wounded. The teenager maintained that his intention was to break up the fight between his father and uncle and that he was not paying attention to where the gun was aimed when he pulled the trigger. The incident was described as a tragic accident.
Following the shooting, the 14-year-old was taken into custody by the Mayes County Sheriff's Department. He initially faced a murder charge in connection with his uncle's death. However, the District Attorney later made the decision to drop the murder charge against the boy, citing a need for further investigation into the complex and tragic circumstances of the case.
