Court Appearance For Teen Accused Of Killing Woman During Pursuit

We're following the case of a teenager charged with first-degree murder.

Anthony Giancola is accused of taking officers on three different pursuits before he crashed near Foyil, killing a woman and injuring her mother.

The judge ruled that Anthony Giancola will continue to be held in jail without bond.

The 17-year-old is charged as an adult for several counts, including murder, stealing a vehicle and endangering others while running from cops.

Thursday was Anthony Giancola’s first appearance in court after the chases and crash almost two weeks ago.

Deputies say it started with a home invasion in Missouri, where Giancola stole 2 vehicles. 

They said he stole another car in Oklahoma and took officers on three different pursuits through several counties.

"First and foremost, our hearts grieve for the family," said Sheriff Scott Walton.

Walton said deputies started chasing Giancola after Vinita police stopped their chase, telling deputies the suspect had a knife.

They say Giancola stole a pickup, and deputies chased him down a two-lane county road while he avoided stop sticks, before crossing some railroad tracks and hitting an SUV with two people. 

23-year-old Logan Harrel died on the scene.

She was a member of Rogers State University's Hillcat cheer team.

Logan’s mother Kimberly Harrel was flown to a hospital with head injuries.

“Another prime example of the decisions the men and women that wear badges have to make. Split second decisions that often are scrutinized, and they should be, but I certainly support the decisions our people made," Walton said.

Walton says he stands by his deputies and the decision to chase Giancola but added this was a tragedy nobody wanted.

Deputies say Giancola suggested he was planning a violent crime spree from Missouri to California.

Giancola is being taken back to Vinita to be held in jail and will come back to Rogers County in January for another court appearance.