Kendall Lee Forrester, a 35-year-old resident of Wister, Oklahoma, has been convicted by a federal jury on charges including First Degree Murder in Indian Country. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the verdict.
The trial commenced on February 24, 2025, and concluded with guilty verdicts on February 27, 2025. Forrester was found guilty of three counts: First Degree Murder in Indian Country, Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Causing the Death of a Person during a violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 924(c).
Evidence presented at the trial revealed that Forrester shot the victim on October 31, 2023. The following day, authorities discovered the victim's body wrapped in plastic sheeting inside a hope chest located in the back of their vehicle. Officers who conducted a traffic stop on Forrester found a 9mm handgun and other incriminating items in his vehicle. Further investigation at Forrester's residence uncovered additional evidence linking him to the crime scene.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation collaborated with the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police and Heavener Police to investigate these crimes which took place within LeFlore County on Choctaw Nation Reservation land.
Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White presided over the case at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. He has ordered a presentence report before scheduling sentencing. Until then, Forrester will remain under custody.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Howanitz and Dean Burris represented the prosecution during this case.
