Daughter Remembers Dad Murdered In Wagoner County, Family Still Searching For Answers

A Green Country woman remembers her dad who was shot and killed last month as a funny, outgoing man who was always willing to help a friend in need.

Investigators said Jeff Derrick was shot and killed nearly two weeks ago. Jeff’s daughter Jessica Derrick said she really wants to know what happened to her dad, because her family loved him, and he did not deserve this.

Jessica said she's always been a daddy's girl. She said growing up in Hulbert, she and her dad Jeff were inseparable.

"We were constantly getting into something: framing houses, or in a hayfield, hauling wood or fishing," Jessica said.

Jessica said Jeff had a huge heart and would drop anything to help someone. She said Jeff was energetic, always doing a different job, and always cracking a joke with his friends and family.

"It was definitely hard keeping up with him," Jessica said.

Jessica said it's been a year since she has seen her dad but had plans to see him. Instead, two weekends ago, she got a call that bystanders had found Jeff's body in the parking lot near the Coal Creek recreation area in Wagoner County with three gunshots.

Deputies said the 61-year-old had been staying at a motel for a few days, but they don't know who could've done this and neither does Jessica.

"My life and their life will never be the same," Jessica said.

Jessica said she's a single mom of three kids, who loved their grandfather so much. She said he has friends all over that are grieving, so she's urging someone to speak up and give her family answers.

"Imagining not hearing him say I love you again is the hardest," Jessica said. "This was my dad. He taught me to survive, but he didn't teach me to survive without him."

If you know anything about Jeff's murder, you're asked to call the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family.