Sources: Charges May Be Dropped Against Suspects In Carina Saunders Murder

Multiple sources tell News 9 the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office plans to drop murder charges against the two suspects in this case due to lack of evidence.

Tuesday, February 5th 2013, 7:22 pm

By: News 9


Multiple sources tell News 9 the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office plans to drop murder charges against the two suspects in this case due to lack of evidence.

Jimmy Massey and Luis Ruiz were charged six months ago with the murder of Carina Saunders. At that time, Bethany Detectives concluded the two tortured and killed Saunders, stuffed her body in duffle bags, and then dumped them in this field in Bethany back in October 2011.

Now, News 9 sources say the evidence does not support the allegations against Massey and Ruiz and the district attorney plans to drop murder charges against them.

It's also evident District Attorney David Prater wanted the case turned over to the OSBI. In a statement released on Tuesday by Bethany Police Chief Phil Cole, Cole said "after meeting with District Attorney Prater, we both feel that the investigation would be best served by allowing an agency with greater resources and a ‘fresh set of eyes' to take over this complex case."

2/5/2013 Related Story: New Developments In Carina Saunders Murder Case

"We haven't officially opened the case yet because before we do that we want to get a hold of all the case files so we have a chance to look through those and determine what we can do in the case," Jessica Brown, spokesperson for the OSBI, said in response to our questioning about the unexpected changes in the investigation.

"Whenever someone asks for the OSBI's help we do not ask them why we certainly open an investigation if we think we can help it," Brown said.

Ruiz defense attorney, Derek Chance, responded to the developments with the following statement,

"Mr. Ruiz is extremely pleased with the decision to involve the OSBI. From day one we have had serious questions and concerns about the poor investigation, we remain confident that Luis will be exonerated , and this late investigative effort supports our contention. Of equal concern is the fact that the actual killer is still at large."

That's the same sentiment Massey's family shared with us at the time he was charged with the crime back in July.

District Attorney David Prater did not return our calls for comment on these developments.

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