In the quiet town of Duncan, Oklahoma, a dark tragedy unfolded in October 2014, forever altering the lives of a well-known local family. Katherine Ann Hruby, a 17-year-old high school junior and volleyball player, was found deceased in her family's home alongside her parents.
The grim discovery was made by a housekeeper on Monday, October 13th, though it is believed the murders occurred on Thursday, October 9th.
Katherine, her 50-year-old father, John Hruby, who was the publisher of The Marlow Review, and her 48-year-old mother, Joy 'Tinker' Hruby, had all been fatally shot. The family was prominent in the community, making the news of their violent deaths particularly shocking to residents.
Initial investigations quickly focused on a person of interest close to the family. Authorities soon arrested Katherine's then 19-year-old brother, Alan Hruby, a student at the University of Oklahoma. During questioning, he confessed to the murders. His motive was reportedly tied to a significant debt he had accrued and his desire to inherit the family's estate.
According to his confession, the events of that tragic day were chillingly premeditated. He first shot his mother. When his sister Katherine arrived at the house, he shot her as well. His father was the last to be killed, shot upon his return to the family home. Following the murders, Alan Hruby traveled to Dallas for the weekend to attend the University of Oklahoma vs. University of Texas football game. In March 2016, Alan Hruby pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
