1 Year Passes After Weleetka Double Murder

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

WELEETKA, Oklahoma -- Monday will mark a year after the murders of two young Weleetka girls which left the community shocked and scared.

Investigators are expected to reveal the latest on the case in a press conference on Monday and community members are anxiously awaiting information as they reflect on all that's happened in just 12 months.

Brian Frye grew up on the streets of Weleetka and now patrols as a Weleetka officer.

"As a community, we've been really stressed by all that's happened," Frye said.

The cover of the Weleetkan, the town's newspaper, shows the start of the town's troubled year. Most can't believe it's been one year since 13-year-old Taylor Paschal Placker and 11-year-old Skyla Jade Whitaker were murdered on a quiet country road, but the weather matted trinkets at their memorial shows the time and reflects the change in town.

"The community's different," Frye said. "People are more scared. I can't speak for everyone, but I'm more scared, even as an officer."

While Weleetka continues to mourn the unsolved murders, the community is also looking to recover from scandal.

In January, Marvin Lowe, a local pastor was arrested on multiple counts of molesting young girls at the church. In March, fire blew through downtown, torching multiple businesses. Roundup Cafe, the town's most popular hangout spot is still a pile of rubble.

"It was a big revenue source for the town," Frye said.

They are all unwelcome changes in a place officer Frye isn't sure will ever be the same.

In addition to the press conference, a memorial service for the girls is set for Monday at the high school in Weleetka.

A fundraiser to help raise money for the murder reward fund is also set for June 14th. The event will be held at 1 p.m. at Marvin Place, located off exit 237.

Extended Coverage: Tragedy in Weleetka