Bodies Found, Arrest Made

Two bodies were found just east of Tulsa on Thursday and they may be those of two missing teenagers. The bodies were found about 10:00 a.m. by a Tulsa police officer just north of 41st Street near 145th East Avenue. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports investigators believe the bodies are those of two teenagers missing since last week, although they haven't confirmed that yet.

The two bodies were found in a wooded area, near a pasture east of Tulsa by an officer following up leads in the investigation into two missing teenagers.

"During that investigation, this location came up and that's why we are here," said Tulsa Police Department Officer Jason Willingham.

Although a medical examiner must make a positive identification, police say all indications point to the victims as two teenagers missing since last week.

19-year-old Derek Russell and 17-year-old Martin Marion were last seen near the Fiesta Mart at 21st and Garnett a week ago Wednesday. 

Police say right now they don't have a motive for the killings, but homicide detectives arrested 21-year-old Daniel Davis of New Orleans on two complaints of first degree murder.

"There were several things that came up during the investigation that pointed in his direction.  And we just feel like we have enough probable cause to feel like he's responsible for his deaths," said Officer Willingham.

Investigators believe the two victims were killed somewhere else, and their bodies were dumped in the remote, rural location. Police, deputies and recruits from the academy searched for evidence.

"It's difficult.  Because you are talking about a hay field, you're talking about dense, thick grass and then of course where the actual bodies are located, you're talking brush, lots of underbrush.  So it's a difficult investigation," said Officer Willingham.

Police aren't sure if the killings are gang related, but they don't believe this was a random crime and the suspect and the victims knew each other.

A medical examiner will determine how the victim's died, as well as confirming their identities.

Anyone that knows anything about the case should call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.

Related story:

8/4/2008  Parents Need Help Finding Missing Boys