UPDATE I previously covered the horrifying slaying of beloved Anadarko pastor, Carol Daniels, in my piece "God's Razor of Judgement", which can be found here on my blog. Recent developments in the Carol Daniels case are leaving some people satisfied with the performance of the OSBI and local law enforcement, but others have more questions than before. A grand jury is looking into the possibility that a local drug dealer (now deceased) was somehow involved in Daniels' bizarre and brutal death. The suspect, Denise Cooper of Anadarko, died of cancer this past February. Cooper had a well documented criminal history, with convictions stemming from methamphetamine distribution and assault. But the extent of her alleged involvement is still unclear, with at least two witnesses called before the grand jury refusing to answer questions related to Daniels' murder. One online crime enthusiast, who has religiously followed the case, quipped: "blaming the murder on a dead woman would wrap this up nicely for them [OSBI]." Rumors about Daniels' murderer have persisted for years, and it's true that Cooper's name has been heard among the whispers--but hers was just one of many. In some ways, the theory of Cooper or someone like her being responsible for the crime is a good fit. In my previous article on the case, I reiterated that Pastor Daniels was active in ministering to the transient community, and often extended her help to those suffering from substance abuse, poverty, and homelessness. It is not outside the realm of possibility that Daniels could have had contact with Cooper--and perhaps even helped her at one time. Whoever the killer was, they were comfortable operating in broad daylight with limited means of escape from the scene. The killer also knew Pastor Daniels and her routine well enough to successfully execute the crime, or had been around long enough to study her for a sufficient period of time--could Cooper have had that opportunity? Residents and interested outsiders alike feel that Cooper, if she was in fact the culprit, couldn't have acted alone. Others feel that due to the bizarre and heinous nature of the crime, Cooper is an unlikely suspect. How did a drug-addled meth dealer manage to pull off the perfect crime, leaving virtually no forensic evidence to speak of? How did she have the forethought to take Daniels' clothes from the scene, or destroy evidence with a cleaning solvent? How was she able to escape the church unseen, drenched in Daniels' blood? More importantly, how did a small-time local drug dealer avoid justice for the crime when the OSBI was supposedly investigating so thoroughly? The OSBI unfortunately doesn't have a successful solve-rate when it comes to these types of cases--and more than that, they have made a habit of thoroughly bungling important investigations (see the heartbreaking Aja Johnson case for reference). I find it a little convenient that the sudden break in Daniels' case is attached to a suspect who can no longer defend herself or raise arguments against any alleged evidence they may have uncovered. For the sake of Daniels' loved ones, I hope that my instinct is incorrect, and that the OSBI has risen to the occasion and is truly one step closer to securing justice for her brutal slaying. However, a recent case out of Chickasha , Oklahoma may throw a wrench in their continued investigation. On June 16th, Pastor Michael Walworth's badly burned body was found by his sister in between his beloved First Missionary Baptist Church and his home. Like Pastor Daniels, Pastor Mike was a staple in his community. He served a congregation made up mostly of convicts, addicts, and other lost sheep trying to find their way in the world. Police are unsure whether or not the man burned to death, or if he was burned after he was killed. People are already drawing parallels between the two cases, and it's hard to ignore the coincidences. However, investigators say they have not yet been able to determine whether or not Walworth's death was a homicide. I will be following the case closely, and will be sure to inform my readers of any updates or possible connections to Daniels.