Clues Sought In Shooting Death Of Coweta Man Friday Night

Craig Day, News On 6

COWETA, Oklahoma -- Authorities are still searching for clues in the shooting death of a Wagoner County man late Friday night.

The sheriff's office says 53-year-old Arthur Burney was found dead in his barn next to his rural home near Coweta.

Both the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are working on the case.

While they look for clues, neighbors of the victim are shocked, and hope the killer is found soon. Investigators with the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office are using police dogs to try to find evidence: a murder weapon, clothing, anything that could help lead them to answers in the death of Arthur Burney.

"We conducted a scene search and it was determined that he had been shot," said Wagoner County Sheriff's Office Major Bob Haley.

2/19/2011 Related Story: Coweta Man Found Shot To Death In Barn

Burney's body was discovered by his wife at about 8:30 p.m. Friday. It was in a barn about 50 yards from the couple's home in the 16000 block of South 233rd East Avenue.

"We've not been made aware from anyone that we've talked to that he's been in to it with anyone," said Major Bob Haley.

Khalil and Karen Hakim are the Burneys' next door neighbors.

"To find out that your next door neighbor has just been killed is quite a shock. We were shocked and we're still in shock," said Khalil Hakim.

The Hakims say their neighbor's death is not only shocking; it is unsettling and very sad.

"Somebody that you see every day. And you wave and you speak and then they're gone," said Karen Hakim.

The couple says it's hard to believe a murder happened next door, especially in such a rural, quiet place.

"It's scary. It's really scary," said Karen Hakim.

Investigators hope since it is such a rural area, someone noticed something unusual.

"Seen a vehicle they didn't recognize, seen something out of the ordinary, something different. Please call and let us know," said Major Bob Haley.

Investigators say nothing appears to have been stolen from Burney or his home.

While investigators continue their search for clues, the Hakims are left saddened and hopeful an arrest is made soon.

"Our hearts do go out for them and we do pray for them. All the time," said Karen Hakim.

Anyone with information that could help in the case should call the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office at 918-485-3124 or the OSBI at 1-800-522-8017.

Funeral services for Arthur Burney are pending.