By Fox23.com News Staff
SEQUOYAH COUNTY, Okla. — First-degree murder charges have been refiled against three men in connection with the 2016 disappearance and death of a man who was hiking near Sallisaw.
According to court records, Matthew Fagan was reported missing on June 21, 2016, after going hiking near Sallisaw with three men, later identified as Michael Snelling, Tyler Leverett and Charles Shamblin.
On July 1, 2016, Leverett told investigators that Snelling killed Fagan during an argument with a hammer, then Snelling told him he had to help dispose of the body or he would be next.
On July 7, 2016, Snelling told investigators that Leverett repeatedly punched Fagan. Snelling said he tried to stop the assault, but Leverett threatened their families and forced them to participate and dispose of the body.
On July 11, 2016, Shamblin told investigators he saw Snelling get into a fight with Fagan. He said Snelling threatened to kill him, Leverett and their families if they did not help dispose of the body.
On Nov. 2, 2024, a hunter found a bone less than half a mile from where Fagan was reported missing.
Authorities conducted a search and found 15 teeth, additional bones, pants and fabric. The evidence was sent to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for DNA testing, and on Jan. 6, 2026, the remains were confirmed to be Fagan’s.
On Tuesday, first-degree murder and accessory after the fact charges were refiled against all three suspects, and warrants were issued for their arrests.
