Big Break In 3-Year-Old Weleetka Murders

Michael Konopasek, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- OSBI investigators get a big break in the murders of two Weleetka girls. Agents have determined what type of gun was used and its serial number.

For more than three years, OSBI has been working to find out who shot the two girls multiple times. On Friday, the bureau announced it knows what the murder weapon is, and finding it may help them solve the case.

"We don't give up on cases," said OSBI spokesperson Jessica Brown. "Sometimes they get cold. This one has not."

Residents of Weleetka welcomed the news of the investigation moving forward.

"There's people out there that know, and they're not talking," said Weleetka resident Carlton Bullerd. "I wish they'd catch them."

OSBI is hoping new information will be key. Three years ago, 11-year-old Skyla Jade Whitaker and her friend Taylor Placker were shot to death. The murders happened along a rural road with no witnesses nearby. The crime and lack of motive have baffled investigators for years.

"Everyone felt so awful that this could happen to two girls in an area like Weleetka," said Brown.

On Friday, OSBI released new information in the case to media outlets. Agents are looking for a specific murder weapon described as a glock 40 caliber model 22 handgun with serial number EKG463US.

"We believe someone possibly purchased or somehow got a hold of this gun in the past three years, and that's why we're asking anyone who has this weapon [to] please come forward," said Brown.

OSBI says it does not believe whoever has the gun at this point had anything to do with the murders. When asked how investigators discovered the murder weapon's serial number without the gun, OSBI would only say, "through some very dogged detective work."

In Weleetka, residents are hopeful the new information will lead to an arrest.

"I've noticed that a lot of people are coming together and trying to find closure," said Weleetka resident Kayla Berry.

OSBI says it has provided the new information to police throughout the country. The bureau also says it is prepared to pay $5,000 to anyone who surrenders the gun. If you have any information that may help investigators, call the OSBI at (800)-522-8017.