Stephens County, Oklahoma – An estimated 200 dogs were discovered at a Stephens County, Oklahoma, residence when police went to the home in mid-February to investigate a murder. Evidence at the home led Stephen’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies to arrest 49-year-old Karen Jean Prichard on suspicion of second-degree murder, and dismal conditions at her Marlow property prompted further investigation resulting in 113 counts of cruelty to animals.
As reported by the Marlow Review, deputies described conditions at the property as “deplorable.” The Humane Society of Tulsa, which took in many of the dogs and puppies, stated, “Dogs were living in horrific conditions without basic needs. They have multiple medical issues that need immediate care.”
This woman is also accused of murdering 31-year-old Ashley Nicole Anderson, whose body was found in a metal shipping container that was secured with a pad lock. Officers found the woman wrapped in a blue tarp which was secured with a rope, reports Yahoo News.
We need your support to help convince court officials that she deserves the maximum sentence for all of the charges that she is facing. Karen Jean Prichard must be put behind bars for as long as possible, AND be forbidden from owning any pets in the future!
Dogs found at Karen Jean Prichard’s property were stuck in filthy cages. Stephens County Humane Society board members told a local news agency that the conditions were “rancid.” Board member Kelly Nelson said, “It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life. We were called by the sheriff’s department because of the number of animals and because they had no water, no food and no shelter.”
People who run puppy mills do it for the love of money and the welfare of the animals generating that money are of no concern. The amount of suffering this woman caused is staggering, and she needs to pay for the harm that she has inflicted!
Please add your name to the petition today. Karen Jean Prichard deserves the maximum sentence for her charges and a plea deal should not be considered!
News:
Please click here to find applicable Oklahoma laws.
Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Final Update 9/20/2024: Victory!! Karen Jean Pritchard was sentenced to more time in prison for the abuse her 139 puppy mill dogs suffered than the human life that she murdered. All of the sentences for the animals were consecutive – meaning each sentence followed one after the other, rather than concurrent (meaning they were grouped together). For the murder of Ashley Nicole Anderson, Pritchard was sentenced to 10-years in prison, plus credit for time served. For the Felony cruelty (138 charges) Pritchard was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Also, she was additionally sentenced to 5 years imprisonment in the Stephens County Jail. Fines came to $113,168.59. Animal Victory thanks everyone who signed our petition, helping us win this important victory! Sentencing Document
Update 4/9/2024: Karen Pritchard’s jury trial is scheduled for April 22, 2024, appearing before Judge Russell. Pritchard’s case number is CF21-36. She is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, and 138 felony cruelty to animals. She currently is out on bond and owes the court $41,058.47.
Update April 2023: Animal Victory has learned that the defendant requested for the trial to be pushed from the April jury docket to the September 2023 jury docket. Request approved, call docket set for Aug. 9, 2023, at 9 am.
Update 3/30/2023: Animal Victory sent cover letter and petition to the judge.
Update 1/20/2023: Animal Victory has learned that the next entry is a docket call on 03/08/2023. The jury trial began on January 17, 2023.
Update 9/22/2022: The defendant waived the right to a speedy trial. The case was then passed to a felony call docket. The bond is continued. The next court date for the docket to be called is December 7, 2022, at 9 a.m.
Update 6/15/2022: Animal Victory has learned that Pritchard entered a not guilty plea at her last court appearance on 6/09/2022. The next hearing is scheduled to take place on 9/19/2022.
Update 6/03/2022: Animal Victory has learned that the defendant is set for formal arraignment for the charges brought against her on 6/09/2022.
Update 3/3/2022: Animal Victory has learned that court is continued to 5/9/2022.
Update 2/03/2021: Animal Victory has learned that the preliminary hearing conference has been continued to Feb. 9, 2022, at 9 a.m.
Update 8/8/2021: Animal Victory has learned that the preliminary hearing conference has been continued to Aug. 25, 2021 at 9 a.m. The defendant must appear with counsel or bond could be forfeited.
Update 6/10/2021: Animal Victory has sent 15,938 signatures and comments to the prosecuting attorney Cortnie Siess.
Update 4/26/2021: Animal Victory has learned that Karen Jean Prichard managed to post a $1 million dollar bond. The next scheduled court date is on 5/26/2021 at 9:00 a.m.
Update 4/23/21: Today Animal Victory sent 12,614 signatures and comments to prosecutor Cortnie Siess.
Animal-Protection-Laws-of-Oklahoma-2020-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund
Prior Signatures 15,969
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused children seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
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