The Atoka County Sheriff's Office released the following statement on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Today, we are proud to announce that Brandon Barrett has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma for the murder of Boyd Fortenberry in Lane, Oklahoma.
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Barrett was taken into custody.
This case was investigated by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with assistance from your Atoka County Sheriff’s Office. Because this crime occurred in Indian Country and involved a Native American suspect, the case was presented in federal court.
From the beginning, this case has been about one thing — justice for Boyd Fortenberry.
To Boyd’s family and friends:
We have not forgotten. We have stood with you, and we will continue to stand with you. While nothing can undo your loss, we hope today brings a measure of peace knowing that accountability is being pursued.
To the citizens of Atoka County:
This is what happens when agencies work together and refuse to quit. Your Sheriff’s Office was proud to stand alongside our state and federal partners to see this case through. We will continue to fight for this community and for every victim who deserves a voice.
Sheriff Kody Simpson stated:
"We don’t stop. We don’t forget. And we will always pursue justice for the people of this county."
This case now moves forward in federal court.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
