Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office

10/20/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we’re taking a closer look at the domestic violence cases filed by our office in September.

Last month, we filed 25 felony domestic violence cases and 58 misdemeanor cases.

Why the difference? Under Oklahoma law, a first offense of domestic abuse is generally a misdemeanor. However, certain circumstances can support a felony charge, even when the defendant has no prior domestic violence conviction. These include cases involving a deadly weapon, great bodily injury, or a qualifying pattern of physical abuse. (21 O.S. §§ 644 and 644.1)

These numbers represent cases filed by our office, not the total number of domestic violence incidents that occurred in September.

If you or someone you know are in a domestic violence situation, there is help. The state's 24/7 helpline is 1-800-522-7233 and our partners at Palomar: Oklahoma City's Family Justice Center also provide great resources for survivors.

10/20/2026

‼️BOUND OVER FOR TRIAL‼️

Tawon Moore, 29, was bound over by the Court to stand trial on multiple counts of domestic violence. On May 30, 2026, Moore's partner, who was (at the time) six months pregnant with their child, called police and reported that Moore hit her, strangled her and threatened to kill her. Police reported seeing visible marks on her body from the attack.

CASE #: CF-2026-3180

CT. #1: Domestic Assault and Battery against a Pregnant Woman
CT. #2: Domestic Assault and Battery by Strangulation
CT. #3: Interference with an Emergency Telephone Call
CT. #4: Domestic Assault and Battery
CT. #5: Threatening an Act of Violence

ARRESTED: June 1, 2026

CHARGED: June 10, 2026

BOND: $15,000

CURRENT STATUS: Out of Custody

NEXT COURT DATE: Formal Arraignment is set for November 4, 2026

**Charges are based on probable cause that a person has committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

10/19/2026

Another moving ReMerge graduation! ❤️

ReMerge gives moms who are justice-involved the opportunity to make changes, build a better future and stay with their families.

This graduation celebrated four moms and their six children. Through their hard work and commitment, these moms avoided a combined 31 years in prison, saving taxpayers an estimated $1.29 million.

When moms succeed, families grow stronger and our entire community benefits. We’re so proud of these moms and all they’ve accomplished.

10/19/2026

‼️BOUND OVER FOR TRIAL‼️

Daniel Sanchez, 54, was bound over by the Court to stand trial after being charged for sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl in October 2025.

CASE #: CF-2025-5187

CT. #1: R**e in the First Degree by Instrumentation
CT. #2: Forcible So**my
CT. #3: Sexual Battery

ARRESTED: November 4, 2025

CHARGED: November 4, 2025

BOND: $200,000

CURRENT STATUS: Out of Custody

NEXT COURT DATE: Formal Arraignment is set for December 2, 2026

**Charges are based on probable cause that a person has committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

10/16/2026

‼️BOUND OVER FOR TRIAL‼️

Alquay Lee, 25, was bound over by the Court to stand trial after being charged for firing shots into the London Square Apartments on May 21, 2025. The Oklahoma City Police Department responded to the scene and based on their investigation, Lee was pulled over in the 2300 block of SW 74th and taken into custody.

CASE #: CF-2025-3293

CT. #1: Discharging a Weapon into Dwelling or Public Place
CT. #2: Possession of a Fi***rm while in the Commission of a Felony

ARRESTED: May 22, 2025

CHARGED: July 22, 2025

BOND: $50,000

CURRENT STATUS: Out of Custody

NEXT COURT DATE: Formal Arraignment is set for December 2, 2026

**Charges are based on probable cause that a person has committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

10/16/2026

“We don’t have the resources, and each day we don’t do the individualized hearings, we are reckoning with whether or not there’s going to be another [lawsuit].”

DA Vicki Behenna made this statement during an interim study at the Capitol. The Frontier was there to hear the discussion, and its reporting examines the potential costs to Oklahoma County if the issue goes unaddressed.

Read the article: https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/oklahoma-county-risks-more-costly-jail-lawsuits-without-bail-reform-da-warns/?fbclid=IwY2xjawU_Tw9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7rxyNI_CuMkkd_Jy5s4tPy0-dPujS2ZsY8IioeKXNSUGqbZ8SImDqzNU1IgQ_aem__h5J_DGMMUYoY9yLsprfMw

An interim study examined ways to help defendants await trial outside of jail, from expanded legal representation to individualized assessments of their ability to pay bail. Officials say reforms could reduce costs and improve constitutional protections.

10/15/2026

Our deepest condolences to Tyler's family, friends, teammates and the entire SNU campus community.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich.

This loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer during this incredibly difficult time.

We want to remind students, faculty, and staff that support is available through the Renew Counseling Center and our Campus Pastors. As we hold one another close during this time, we encourage anyone who needs support to reach out.

10/15/2026

‼️GUILTY PLEA IN MAY 2, 2025 HOMICIDE‼️

Billy Buford, 60, was sentenced to life in the Department of Corrections with the first 16 years to do. He was charged murder after hitting Douglas Smitherman multiple times in the head with a 2x4 at the AN-SON car wash.

In May of this year, Buford entered a blind plea of guilty to an amended charge of Manslaughter in the First Degree. The Court ordered a pre-sentencing investigation before handing down its sentence.

PICTURED: Douglas Smitherman Jr.