Authorities in rural Oklahoma discovered the bodies of seven individuals on Monday while searching for two missing teenagers. The remains are suspected to include those of the missing teens, 14-year-old Ivy Webster and 16-year-old Brittany Brewer. Police also reportedly found the body of convicted sex offender Jesse McFadden, who the teens were believed to be traveling with.
Okmulgee County Sheriff Eddy Rice stated that the state medical examiner must confirm the identities of the victims, but the search for the teenagers and McFadden has been called off. Sheriff Rice extended condolences to the families, friends, and schoolmates of those involved. However, he didn’t give any further details regarding the circumstances of their deaths.
The grim discovery was made near the town of Henryetta, approximately 90 miles east of Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol had issued a missing endangered person advisory for Webster and Brewer earlier in the day, which was subsequently canceled on Monday afternoon.
McFadden, who was listed on the state’s sex offender registry, had been convicted of first-degree rape in 2003 and was released from prison in October 2020. He was due in court on Monday to face charges of soliciting sexual conduct with a minor and possession of child pornography.
Brittany Brewer’s father, Nathan Brewer, confirmed to that his daughter was among the deceased. He described her as an outgoing person who had been chosen to participate in the Miss National Miss pageant in Tulsa in July. Nathan Brewer expressed his shock and grief at losing his daughter, who had aspired to become a teacher or a veterinarian.
Henryetta Public Schools announced on its website and Facebook page that the school district is mourning the loss of several students. The school will remain open, with mental health professionals and clergy available to provide support and counseling to students. However, the school has stated that they understand if families choose to keep their children at home.