In the small, quiet town of Oktaha, Oklahoma, a violent encounter shattered the peace on April 22, 2022, leading to the deaths of 47-year-old Benjamin 'Benjy' Hill and his 25-year-old son, Stephen Hill. The two men were shot and killed in an incident that unfolded on the property of Kyle Owens.
The events of that tragic evening began with a 911 call from Owens' wife, who reported that two men were attempting to run her off the road and were now on her property.
During the call, the dispatcher heard multiple gunshots before the line disconnected. When the dispatcher called back, Owens himself answered and stated that 'they' were dead in the road.
Law enforcement arrived to find a grim scene, with approximately 28 shell casings scattered around the area. The investigation into the double homicide was taken up by the FBI and the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office due to the involvement of Native American individuals. The investigation revealed a chilling sequence of events. One neighbor reported witnessing Stephen Hill with his hands up, as if in surrender, just before being shot by Owens. Another neighbor overheard Stephen apologizing, saying, 'I'm sorry. I'm sorry, it was a joke,' moments before the fatal shots were fired.
Kyle Owens was arrested and subsequently faced federal charges of Murder in Indian Country for the deaths of Benjamin and Stephen Hill. The community was left in shock by the sudden violence, and the Hill family was devastated by their loss. Family members described Benjamin as a loving father and Stephen as a funny, vibrant young man who was a talented welder. They initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help with the funeral expenses for both father and son, as they sought justice for their untimely deaths.
