Fugitive caught in Morrilton faces third murder charge

New Break in Multi-State Homicide Case as Suspect Arrested in Morrilton

Stacy Lee Drake, the 50-year-old Alabama man who has been evading authorities, has been arrested in Morrilton, Arkansas, bringing a significant break to a case that spans multiple homicides across two states. Drake was wanted for his alleged involvement in four homicides, three of which occurred in Oklahoma and one in Alabama.

Law enforcement agencies from Oklahoma and Arkansas collaborated in the pursuit of Drake, who was known to be armed and dangerous. After a thorough investigation, Morrilton Police and Arkansas State Police finally apprehended him on Thursday morning, bringing an end to the extensive manhunt.

Drake’s wanted status stemmed from multiple felony warrants from various jurisdictions, including aggravated robbery, carjacking, and murder. His most recent and notable offense involved the double homicide that took place on June 18, 2024, in Gans, Oklahoma, where two bodies were discovered with injuries consistent with homicide.

The hunt for Drake took a crucial turn when his vehicle, allegedly used in the Oklahoma homicides, was found in Morrilton late Tuesday night. Surveillance footage at a local hotel in Morrilton then revealed Drake’s presence, prompting a comprehensive search of the area. While he was not initially found at the hotel, authorities remained convinced he was still in the vicinity.

During his evasion period, Drake was reported to have purchased camping gear, indicating he may have been planning to conceal himself outdoors. This crucial detail, combined with the coordinated efforts of the law enforcement agencies, ultimately led to his capture in Morrilton.

The arrest of Stacy Lee Drake marks the end of a perilous and extensive search operation. His capture will provide crucial insights into the motivations and actions behind the multiple homicides he is accused of. As the investigation continues to unravel the details of the case, authorities can now focus on bringing justice to the victims and their families.