In the summer of 2019, a fatal encounter unfolded in a south Tulsa apartment, leading to the death of 53-year-old Michael Binder. On the evening of July 27th, Binder was shot and killed during the course of a robbery at his residence. The violent act cut short the life of a man remembered by friends and family as kind-hearted, giving, and loyal.
The investigation into the homicide led authorities to several individuals.
In August 2019, Leanna Roacher of Sapulpa was arrested in connection with the case. During questioning by Tulsa homicide detectives, Roacher admitted to her involvement in the robbery that resulted in Michael Binder's death. Following her confession, she was arrested on a charge of murder. Officials indicated at the time that they were seeking other individuals who may have been accomplices in the crime.
Further developments in the case came to light in August of the following year. Samuel Wayne Washington, a 42-year-old from Sapulpa, faced a federal charge of felony murder in the first degree in Indian Country. The charges alleged that Washington had aided, abetted, and procured others to commit the robbery of Michael Binder. It was during this felony that Binder was fatally shot.
