Chickasha Man Charged In Deadly Crash That Killed Girlfriend

A Chickasha man is now in jail, charged with the death of his girlfriend. She died in January after investigators say he drove into a concrete barrier at speeds more than 100 miles per-hour.

Leah Cooper's family is still working to cope with her death. But they find strength from their faith, in which they've found forgiveness for the driver.

Cars rush by on the H.E. Bailey Turnpike east of Chickasha, traveling past the last place Leah Cooper was alive.

Cooper was young mother, newly engaged to her fiancée Christopher Pitchford.

It was just past 4 a.m., January 10, when Christopher and Leah were driving west on the turnpike. Investigators determined Christopher was driving more than 100 miles an hour when the car hit a guardrail, went airborne striking the concrete barrier, and then rolled.  

Chickasha firefighters worked to free the couple trapped in their mangled car, but Leah died at the scene.

According to court records, toxicology reports show Christopher was nearly double the legal limit and traces of cannabis was found in his blood.

Christopher told investigators the two went to a casino then had drinks at several spots in Bricktown. And a bartender asked them to leave when Leah fell asleep on the table.

This week, Christopher was arrested and charged with second degree murder in connection with Leah's death. He is still in jail on a $300,000 bond.