One Year Later: Family, Friends Hold Vigil for Seminole County Sheriff's Deputies

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

SEMINOLE, Oklahoma -- Nearly 200 people from across the state gathered at the Seminole County Courthouse in Wewoka to remember two deputies shot and killed in the line of duty one year ago.

Chase Whitebird and Marvin Williams were killed during a stand-off as they attempted to serve an arrest warrant for suspect Ezekiel Holbert. Holbert is charged with two counts of murder and is expected to be back in court in September. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

"What happened a year ago was nothing more than wickedness," said Seminole Nation Whitehorse Police Department Captain William Williams.

Captain Williams was joined by Seminole County Sheriff Shannon Smith, Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel and Seminole Nation Chief Leonard Harjo as the crowd lit candles and sang Amazing Grace on the courthouse lawn.

"These two men were warriors who lived respected lives," said Sheriff Whetsel who was asked

Vigil for Seminole Co. Sheriff's Deputies

to attend Monday's ceremony.

"This is the sacrifice these young men make," said Seminole Nation Chief Harjo. "They risk their lives every time they put on their uniform".

"We shall overcome evil with goodness," said Captain Williams. "We will not quit. We'll go forward as a family, a community, a state and a nation".

More: Families of Murdered Seminole Deputies Remember, Mourn