Person Of Interest In Bethany Murder Case Speaks To Police

A person of interest in the homicide of 19-year-old Carina Saunders has spoken to Bethany Police, but says he didn't know the woman whose body was found stuffed into a duffel bag.

Wednesday, October 19th 2011, 12:56 pm

By: News 9

Person Of Interest In Bethany Murder Case Speaks To Police

LaShauna Sewell, News9.com

BETHANY, Oklahoma – A person of interest in the homicide of 19-year-old Carina Saunders has been released after speaking to Bethany Police.

Kyle Tweed, 21, arrived at the police station shortly after the department held a news conference Wednesday morning announcing he was one of two people detectives wished to speak to about the killing of Saunders. The young woman's body was found stuffed in a duffel bag behind a Homeland grocery store on Thursday, October 13.

Bethany Police Chief Phil Cole asked the public for information on the whereabouts of Tweed and 21-year-old Cody Perez. Police say both Perez and Tweed knew Saunders socially.

After being released by police, Tweed posted on his Facebook page that he did not know Saunders:

"The cops let me go. I dont [sic] know the girl. That other guy is someone who came to my house for a party thats it [sic]. I did not do anything. I was released."

Perez was reported missing Monday, October 10. Police say he was last seen at a convenience store near Interstate 35 and Robinson in Norman. He was wearing his Platt College culinary uniform and was carrying a blue backpack. Police believe he left the metro area on Tuesday, October 11. Chief Cole says he may have been planning to hitchhike to Dallas then head on to California.

According to Chief Cole, both men may have information critical to the investigation. They're asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of Perez to call Bethany Police immediately.

As for the investigation into Saunders death, Chief Cole says they're following dozens of leads. They have not named any suspects, but the chief says the nature of the crime indicates whoever killed Saunders would have needed "some kind of assistance."