Mayes County Murder Suspect Arraigned In Court

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

MAYES COUNTY -- The man accused of killing a volunteer firefighter and burning his house down was arraigned Monday. Nick Shires, 24, was arrested last week, and faces first degree murder charges.

6/3/2010 Related Story: Man Charged With Murder Of Mayes County Volunteer Firefighter

Authorities say he's responsible for the April 2009 death of Michael Cobb in Mayes County.

More than 14 months after 39-year-old Michael Cobb's mysterious death, his family and friends believe they are finally getting some answers.

"It was pretty exciting," said Donny Jordan, Cobb's Friend. "The family has been waiting a long time."

Good friend Donny Jordan says speculation immediately began to swirl after Cobb's body was found inside his home in April of last year. Investigators later ruled that the fire had been deliberately set, and that Cobb had died of blunt force trauma and smoke inhalation.

Last week, authorities arrested the man they say is responsible, 24-year-old Nick Shires.

"We believe Mr. Cobb came home from a fire meeting with the local fire department where he was a volunteer firefighter, and we believe the subject was waiting on him," said Lieutenant Albert McKee, Mayes County Sheriff's Office.

Friends say Cobb was going through a tough divorce, and Shires was dating his wife. According to police documents, Shires later bragged about the crime, telling several relatives and associates that he killed Cobb with a baseball bat.

He allegedly told one person, 'I popped his head like a melon with that bat.' Even following the arrest, Mayes County Investigators say the case is far from wrapped up.

"It's somewhat relieving," Lieutenant McKee said. "I wouldn't say satisfying because we believe there may be others involved."

But for now, the arrest has eased some anxiety.

"I"m real confident justice will be served," Jordan said. "There's no doubt in my mind that justice is going to be served here."

Justice for the father of three friends say lived well and died senselessly.

"None of it makes any sense," Jordan said. "They killed a wonderful person. It was senseless, there was no reason to do this. It didn't have to happen."

Shires is already serving time in Creek County for a DUI-related conviction. He will continue to be held without bail.