'It only gets worse': Former DHS worker and a man died in an apparent murder-suicide in Checotah

McIntosh County investigators say a former DHS worker and a man died in what appears to be a murder suicide in Checotah.

They are waiting on the medical examiner to determine exactly what happened, but say they did recover the gun at the scene and they don't believe anyone else is involved in the shooting. 

Moments before the shooting

Investigators say Todd Patterson and Rachel Stewart drove to the home of one of the Patterson's relatives, with Stewart's 7-year-old child in the back seat, then shots were fired.

Patterson's family tells News On 6 they had no idea Patterson and Rachel Stewart were coming to their home. Patterson's family has custody of one of Patterson's sons, and they say the boy had asked him to bring over some food.

"Todd's last words for Taven was, 'I love you, son, and I will get you Takis and Gatorade,'" said Ciera Smith, Checotah.

The family says they weren't home when the shooting happened. 

Investigators say when they got to 2nd Street, Patterson and Stewart were lying in the middle of the street, and both had been shot. 

Police say Stewart's 7-year-old child was in the back seat of the car, and investigators don’t believe the child saw what happened.

"In a case like this, where two people lost their lives, even more so, add children into the mix, and it only gets worse," said investigator Joe Prentice.

The history of the relationship

The mother of Patterson's two sons, Ciera Smith, says Stewart had been their DHS case worker. DHS says Stewart worked for the department from August 2024 to May 5, 2025.

"I liked Rachel as a caseworker," said Ciera Smith.

But Smith doesn't think Stewart should have been romantically involved with Patterson while she was working on their case.

"I find that to be very inappropriate, and it really caught me off guard," said Smith. 

The aftermath of tragedy 

Patterson leaves behind three children, and Smith is heartbroken for them, because despite everything, Patterson was a good dad.

"He's got the best smile ever, you know, and that's something that my kids won't get to see no more, like they won't get to hug him no more. They won't get to hear his phone call saying that he loves them anymore," said Smith.

Patterson's family says they are shocked because they never saw the couple fight, and says Patterson was doing everything he needed to get custody of his kids again, like going to rehab, and making all of his visits.

DHS Statement

“This is a heartbreaking situation. We are continuing to work with local law enforcement during the investigation.”

Law enforcement says they haven't been in contact with DHS yet, and this is still an ongoing investigation.