News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | 2 Families Claim Marlow Police Had Part in Sons' Deaths

2 Families Claim Marlow Police Had Part in Sons' Deaths

Posted: Updated:
Marlow police officers said Mark Ennis died after his motorcycle slammed into a T-post. However, his mother, Beth, said she has reason to believe Marlow police hit her son with their cars. Marlow police officers said Mark Ennis died after his motorcycle slammed into a T-post. However, his mother, Beth, said she has reason to believe Marlow police hit her son with their cars.
Marlow Police Officer Tony Lynch arrested Gary Edwards in 2006 for public intoxication. Hours later, police said Edwards hung himself in the city jail, but Edwards' family thinks there's more to the story. Marlow Police Officer Tony Lynch arrested Gary Edwards in 2006 for public intoxication. Hours later, police said Edwards hung himself in the city jail, but Edwards' family thinks there's more to the story.
Both families filed lawsuits against the Marlow Police Department, and both cases were settled outside of court. However, both families have requested a deeper investigation into each of their sons' deaths. Both families filed lawsuits against the Marlow Police Department, and both cases were settled outside of court. However, both families have requested a deeper investigation into each of their sons' deaths.

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

MARLOW, Oklahoma -- Grieving families have joined forces to stop what they call a deadly and dangerous police department. Two families have come forward stating they believe the Marlow police force played a role in their sons' deaths.

It's no secret the Marlow Police Department has had problems. For months the headlines have highlighted some of the issues, but for years one family has documented what they call the dirty work of the force, and they've kept quiet, until now.

Beth Ennis lost her son, Mark, in August 2005. He was riding his motorcycle late one night and crashed.

Two Marlow officers said they were behind the 25-year-old at the time of the accident, but Ennis said she has reason to believe the officers hit him with their cars.

"They said he ran into the T-post, the metal T-post, but there were no markings on it," Ennis said.

Photos of Mark's bike show white markings, but the post he supposedly hit is rusted with no white paint.

Beth and her attorney asked for copies of the radio transmissions from the night her son died, but she said the tapes given to them by Marlow police had been edited.

"At one point, I could actually hear my son yelling, and then it was cut off," Ennis said.

It's hard to say what happened that night because Officer Toby Garver said the dashboard camera in his car was turned off. Officer Tony Lynch's camera was broken.

"Do you believe Marlow police officers murdered your son?" asked NEWS 9's Rusty Surette.

"Yes," Ennis said.

"Without a doubt?" Surette asked.

"Yes," Ennis said.

Ennis said when she got her son's wallet back from police his ID was missing. Mysteriously, a few months after the accident Ennis said credit card offers started showing up in her son's mailbox and the name on them was Officer Tony Lynch.

Officer Lynch, who is the president of Marlow's police union, won't talk about this or another case he's involved in.

In 2006, he arrested Gary Edwards for public intoxication and booked the 25-year-old into the city jail. Hours later, Edwards was dead.

Autopsy reports showed he hung himself, but his family in Arkansas thinks there's more to the story.

"This can't go on. This has to stop," Ennis said.

Both families have sued the city of Marlow, and both cases have been settled, but they can't disclose the outcome. Still, neither family is giving up the fight, a fight they said is one to save others.

Ennis recently asked for the Department of Justice to investigate her son's death. The Edwards recently hired an independent forensics team to take a look at their son's death and a report released this week showed there were flaws in the suicide investigation. That report has already been turned over to the OSBI and the District Attorney's office.

The FBI and OSBI are actively investigating other criminal accusations against several members of the Marlow police force.

More on News9.com:
- 3 Marlow Police Officers Placed on Leave
- Authorities Investigate Corruption Within Marlow Police Force

You must be logged in to rate this story. Login or register
Comments
Terms of Use: Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. In addition, by submitting a comment, you recognize that your comment may be read or discussed on one or more television news broadcasts on NEWS 9 and you consent to any such use. By submitting a comment, you agree to these Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register
See all comments
Close windowBranding

2 Families Claim Marlow Police Had Part in Sons' Deaths

Close window

Local News More>>

6 Murder Counts Filed in Multiple Homicide Case

A former Marine faces six counts of first-degree murder in the fatal shootings of four people whose bodies were found inside a burning house. More>>

Metro Musician Provides Harp Therapy

A local musician is offering her own form of health care to those in need. She's using her harp and its soothing melody to help patients at a metro hospital. More>>

Operation HealthCare: Global Health

All this week News On 6 reporter Ashli Sims has been following the health care reform bill. More>>

Charges Expected Against Nichols Hills Doctor Next Week

Investigators expect charges to be filed next week against a Nichols Hills doctors accused of fatally stabbing his 9-year-old son. More>>

Links Mentioned On NEWS 9 More>>

The economic turmoil is taking its toll on Oklahoma. News9.com tracks unemployment and layoffs in the state.    More>>

Follow NEWS 9 on Twitter

Twitter fans can now follow the NEWS 9 staff. More>>

Online Express Check-in Will Save Time at H1N1 Clinics

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department has announced a section on their Web site titled "Easy Check In" will now be available for those intending to attend H1N1 clinics. More>>

Black Friday Deals Online Early

The Black Friday deals are normally released in the Thanksgiving Day ads, but some shoppers are getting a head start by looking online. More>>

My 2 Cents

Catch Kelly Ogle's opinion on today's news and events!

Making A Difference

People that make a difference in your everyday life.

Your Life Your Way

Amy McRee's insight on life's issues.

Consumer Watch

Find relevant information on the latest products!

Your Vote Counts

Debates on issues important to you the viewer!

Tech Talk

Fast facts on technology for today's consumer!

Stay informed on all of Oklahoma's weather.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000-2009, WorldNow and KWTV. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Help Page.