Man Pleads Guilty To 2015 Murder In Osage County

A man pleads guilty to shooting a man, then burning his body and throwing it in a shallow grave.

It’s a case that has taken nearly 5 years because of so many jurisdictional issues. Court documents say Jeremy Reece kidnapped Rick Holt on state land but killed him on tribal land.

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“I hope there is some measure of justice achieved today," said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

U.S. Attorney Trent Shores says Jeremy Reece pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in federal court. The murder happened in 2015.

"It's a horrendous story, a horrendous set of facts that one human being could do that to another," said Shores. 

Court documents say the reason for the murder was because Holt was dating Reece’s ex-wife. Shores said the case took so long because the crimes took place on both state and tribal land. He said Reece’s case could have been tried in Oklahoma or federally.

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We spoke with Holt's family friends and they tell us he was kind, a friend to all, and would give anyone the shirt off his back. He was an oilman who grew up in Pawhuska. His friends tell us the world was a better place with him in it, and their loss has been immeasurable.

“There isn't any guilty plea that will bring back their loved one," Shores said, "But hopefully there is some measure of healing or comfort."

Osage County District Attorney Mike Fisher tells us Jeremy's brother Tyler Reece, who's accused of committing the crimes as well, will be prosecuted federally, and their mother Ann Reece faces state charges for being an accessory to murder.

“We won't rest until we hold all those responsible," said Shores.

Shores says as part of the plea agreement Reece will be sentenced to 45 years in federal prison in May.

He says there will be no possibility for parole.