Anadarko Residents Plan Memorial for Murdered Pastor on Former Church Site

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

ANADARKO, Oklahoma -- Close to a year has gone by, but the shock of a pastor's murder in her church hasn't worn off. Although Pastor Daniel's church has disappeared, Anadarko residents have a plan to honor the memory of her life.

Last August 2009, the Christ Holy Sanctified Church in Anadarko changed from a house of prayer to a scene of a crime.

Pastor Carol Daniels was found inside stabbed to death.

"She was a fine person, a wonderful lady, and the people that knew her here loved her," said Anadarko Pastor Ted Mercer.

A year later the murder remains unsolved. the church was demolished last week. In its place, family and friends of Carol Daniels plan to erect a monument, a permanent memorial replacing the temporary ones that have appeared.

J.R. Jarrett and his crew tore down the church for free.

"Basically in payroll that's probably what it would add up to, is a few thousand dollars. Why not give something back to the community, you know," said J.R. Jarrett with Adoptive Living Solutions.

Carol Daniels' brother is spearheading the effort to raise funds for the memorial. Ted Mercer applauds the plan.

"I think the building was a constant reminder of the tragedy and the fact that it wasn't solved. But even when it's solved, the pain's still gonna be there for those that knew and loved Carol Daniels. But I think the marker will be very honoring to her, and it will give people perhaps some closure," Pastor Mercer said.

The OSBI said the investigation into Carol Daniels' murder remains active and on-going.

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