In the fall of 2016, a violent crime spree across Oklahoma culminated in the death of 38-year-old Michael Dale Vance Jr. A Native American man from Chandler, Vance became the subject of a week-long manhunt after a series of brutal acts that left communities on edge. The tragic chain of events began on October 23, 2016, in Wellston, when officers responded to a call of shots fired. A confrontation with Vance led to two officers being shot and wounded.
Vance, who was also injured in the exchange, managed to flee in a patrol car.
The violence escalated as Vance continued his rampage. He is believed to have shot a woman while carjacking her vehicle at a mobile home park. From there, he drove to the home of his aunt and uncle, Ronald Everett Wilkson, 55, and Valerie Kay Wilkson, 54, in Luther. In what authorities described as a 'rage killing,' Vance murdered both of his relatives. The manhunt intensified, with law enforcement agencies across the state on high alert. During his time on the run, Vance reportedly posted videos to Facebook, documenting his flight from the police.
The extensive search for Vance came to a dramatic and violent end on the evening of Sunday, October 30, 2016. A tip from a farmer near Hammon, in western Oklahoma, led authorities to a makeshift campsite where they believed Vance had been hiding. Before he could be apprehended at the campsite, Vance fled. He was later spotted by Dewey County Sheriff Clay Sander. During a traffic stop, Vance opened fire, wounding the sheriff in the arm and shoulder. A chase ensued, and near the town of Leedey, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper confronted Vance. In the ensuing shootout, Michael Vance was shot and killed.
In the aftermath of the manhunt, it was revealed that Vance was facing a felony charge of child sexual abuse and was scheduled to appear in court. It is believed this may have been a motivating factor in his violent outburst. Following Vance's death, three individuals, Danny Roach, Reginald Moore, and April Harden, were arrested and charged with accessory to felony murder. They were accused of providing aid to Vance while he was a fugitive, including supplying him with bandages, an assault rifle, and ammunition.
