Skeletal Remains Confirmed to be those of Jane Neafus

Tuesday, October 16th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SAPULPA, Okla. (AP) _ Remains discovered by a hunter last week in Pottawatomie County are those of an Oakhurst woman who was stabbed and taken from her home in June, investigators say.

The Creek County Sheriff's Office said the state medical examiner has confirmed the bones are those of Jane Neafus, 54.

``We all knew it was Neafus, but this makes it official,'' said Creek County Undersheriff Rick Ishmael. ``I just knew there was no hope of finding her alive.''

Prosecutors have prepared a first-degree murder charge against David Lambert Eads, who was arrested Aug. 31 in Lawton.

He already has been charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in the stabbings of Neafus and her friend, Jessica Sue Smith, who survived.

Investigators said Eads told them he didn't kill Neafus and sought medical treatment for her after taking her away from the stabbing scene. He allegedly told them he buried her after noticing she had died.

Authorities say the attacks took place after Eads and Neafus argued. Smith told investigators that Eads attacked Neafus with a large knife, believed to be a machete.