OSBI: We Will Break Weleetka Case

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

WELEETKA, OK -- It's been two years to the day since two young girls were murdered on the side a country road near Weleetka in Okfuskee County.

13-year-old Taylor Paschal-Placker and 11-year-old Skyla Whitaker were killed in 2008. But an extensive investigation has not lead to any arrests.

Authorities now say they are investigating several suspects, but two years later, still need anyone with information to step forward.

Not far from where their bodies were found, family, friends and investigators met Tuesday to discuss the still unsolved murders of Taylor Paschal-Placker and Skyla Whitaker.

"People don't understand how hard it is for me to come out here," said Pete Placker, Taylor's Dad. "Every time I come out here, I still see two little girls laying in a ditch. Something that should never have happened."

"We will break this case," said Jessica Brown, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. "My agents feel strongly this will come to an end, but we cannot say when that will happen. We are continuing to work as diligently as possible."

The OSBI now says it is looking at several suspects, but will not elaborate beyond that. The seemingly random murders of two childhood friends attracted national attention in 2008. Once the shock subsided, the focus turned to finding the killer.

"I think he deserves severe punishment for the crime he's committed," Claudia Farrow, Skyla's grandmother, said. "And I hope they find him and he gets severe punishment."

Hundred of tips quickly poured in. Investigators released this sketch of a person of interest reportedly spotted near the scene of the murders. But the man was never found, and authorities say they still need new leads.

"Please, if you're out there and you're listening, we urge you to give us any information you might have, whether you think it's important or not," said Max Cook, Okfuskee County DA. "Let us know, it may be that piece that we need."

It's a piece to a puzzle that has proved unsolvable for two years now.

The reward for a tip that leads to an arrest is $160,000. Anyone who has any information about these murders can call the OSBI tip line at 1-800-522-8017.

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