Man Charged With Murder In The Death Of Washington County Deputy

Washington County prosecutors charged a man with First Degree Manslaughter in the death of a Washington County Deputy after a tussle in the jail in March.

Prosecutors say although the Medical Examinees report showed Deputy Kyle Davis’ death was from heart disease, they believe Athine Henderson’s actions of obstructing officers, accelerated Davis’ health problems, which led to his death.

An affidavit says while Henderson was in the Washington County jail in March, he refused to listen to officers and even said they’d have to kill him before he’d go into a cell.

Prosecutors say after several commands, Deputy Davis and other officers eventually forced Henderson to the ground to secure him so they could get him into a cell.

Prosecutors say Henderson still refused to go and officers had to physically escort Henderson.

Documents say Davis started having chest pains and later died at the hospital. The Medical Examiner's report says Davis died of natural causes, from cardiovascular disease. It says “physical exertion during inmate restraint, morbid obesity and chronic tobacco use contributed to his death."

Prosecutors say the physical exertion was caused by Henderson’s actions.

“Our position, we believe the law of the state of Oklahoma is, whether you know or you don’t know, if you are committing a misdemeanor and you hasten somebody’s death, you are responsible for homicide,” said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Buchanan.

Buchanan says it’s his responsibility to seek justice and says it would also be his responsibility not to file charges if he didn’t believe Henderson’s actions played a role in Davis’ death.

Henderson’s attorney says he hasn’t had a chance to talk to Henderson about the charges yet, so didn’t want to comment at this time.

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