Brothers Arrested In Fatal Verdigris Hit And Run Apologize To Victims' Families

The brothers arrested in a deadly hit-and-run crash near Verdigris faced the victim's family and friends Monday during a courtroom hearing.

Monday, June 22nd 2015, 1:34 pm

By: Dee Duren


The brothers arrested in a deadly hit-and-run crash near Verdigris faced the victim's family and friends Monday during a courtroom hearing.

Gage and Dakota Shriver face charges of manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident. But since more documents are needed, and more evidence needs to be evaluated, the case was rescheduled Monday.

However, weeks after the hit-and-run changed so many people's lives, the men had a message for Noelle New and Maranda Talley's families.

6/7/2015 Related Story: Verdigris Remembers Hit-And-Run Victim As Friend Struggles To Recover

Shackled and in orange jumpsuits, Gage and Dakota Shriver made their way to court Monday.

“We've been praying for you and we are really sorry. We wish we could take back every second, you know," the brothers said.

One group wearing shirts showing the two victims - Noelle New and Maranda Talley - is looking for justice and said saying sorry won't change what happened.

New and Talley were hit as they walked along Gordon Road. Investigators said the Shriver brothers had been drinking alcohol and were fighting when their truck ran off the road and struck the two girls.

"It really feels hollow. I have no sympathy or remorse for neither one of them. I want them prosecuted to the extent of the law," said Maranda Talley's father, Michael.

Court records state the two men left the scene without notifying authorities then returned later with their mother, Dorthea Butanda. At that time, they called the police to say they'd discovered the two girls and took evidence from the scene, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

6/10/2015 Related Story: Mother Of Brothers Arrested For Verdigris Hit-And-Run In Custody

Troopers suspected their involvement in the wreck after finding Dakota Shriver's wallet out in the field near the crash scene.

Noelle died, and Maranda is now recovering from multiple injuries.

Maranda's mom, Ann Rutherford, said it's been hard, but the outpouring of support has helped.

"We're just blown away by all the support the community of Verdigris and Claremore have poured out on us, and it's just unreal,” she said.

Rutherford said she's glad to see the two brothers in custody, but she's angry to see Butanda - who faces charges for being an accessory to a felony and obstructing police - is now free.

"I don't have any feeling for them. They knew exactly what they were doing," Rutherford said.

The money collected from t-shirt sales will go to the girls' families, along with other donations.

June 30, 2015, a fundraiser for Maranda Talley will be held at the Claremore Charlie's Chicken. The owners will donate 50 percent of all sales to help with Maranda's hospital and rehabilitation bills.

Praying For Maranda Facebook Page

They are also accepting donations for Talley at that location anytime.

Link To GoFundMe Account approved by Ann Rutherford For Maranda Talley

Next week the Shriver brothers will again appear in front of the judge.

Gage, 19, was booked on several complaints including first-degree manslaughter, reckless driving and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident. Dakota, 21, was booked on complaints that include first-degree manslaughter, obstructing a driver's view or control (for allegedly punching his brother while Gage was driving).

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