Man killed pregnant girlfriend and unborn child and then walked around the neighborhood where they died, police say

Austin Morrison, 28, is accused of first-degree murder in the deaths of his pregnant girlfriend, 28-year-old Stephanie Strock, and her unborn child in Heavener, Oklahoma, according to local police and state investigators.

The tragedy unfolded in a residential neighborhood along West Avenue D in Heavener, a small town located near the Arkansas border, where law enforcement officials responded to conduct a welfare check before discovering the grim scene.

Incident Overview

According to the press release issued by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, local authorities were dispatched to a residence on West Avenue D on Oct. 26 to check on the welfare of the occupant. Upon entering the home, responding law enforcement officers discovered Stephanie Strock dead inside. Investigators examining the scene determined that Strock sustained injuries that were described as consistent with homicide. Further inquiries by detectives revealed that the victim was pregnant at the time she was killed.

Based on information and evidence gathered directly from the scene, law enforcement determined that Austin Morrison had been with Strock earlier that same evening. Investigators concluded that Morrison physically assaulted her inside the residence. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific weapon or mechanism utilized in the attack, nor have they released any official motive behind the alleged killings.

Suspect Information

The suspect in the case has been identified as 28-year-old Austin Morrison. Following the discovery of the victims and the subsequent police investigation, Morrison was named as the primary suspect. According to reports from Pittsburg, Kansas-based CBS affiliate KOAM, agents located Morrison walking near the residential area where the homicides occurred and promptly placed him under arrest without further incident.

Court records and jail bookings show that Morrison is currently being held at the Leflore County Detention Center. Official sources indicate that bond has not yet been set for the defendant while the case awaits further movement through the local judicial system.

Victim Information

The victims in this case include 28-year-old Stephanie Strock and her unborn child. Strock was remembered fondly by her family and community in her published obituary. According to the remembrance, she found joy in activities such as fishing and expressed her creativity through Diamond Dots Art Work. Her loved ones noted that her enthusiasm for the outdoors reflected a vibrant spirit, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Police Response

The Heavener Police Department initially responded to the property on West Avenue D following a request for a welfare check. Upon making entry into the home and discovering the deceased victim, local law enforcement requested specialized investigative assistance, bringing in agents from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to process the scene and manage the inquiries.

Investigation

The investigation into the double homicide is a collaborative effort involving the Heavener Police Department and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from regional media and reporting outlets like KOAM. Investigators canvassed the neighborhood, gathered physical evidence from inside the residence, and pieced together the timeline of interactions between Morrison and Strock leading up to the fatal assault on the evening of Oct. 26.

Evidence Collected

• Physical and forensic evidence gathered from the scene on West Avenue D.
• Investigative data establishing that the suspect was with the victim earlier in the evening.
• Forensic medical determinations regarding the victim's injuries and pregnancy status.

Arrest Details

Following the identification of Morrison as the suspect in the homicides, state and local law enforcement launched a search in the surrounding area. Agents located Morrison walking in the immediate neighborhood near the residence where the crimes occurred. He was taken into custody without resistance and subsequently transferred to the Leflore County Detention Center.

Charges Filed

• First-degree murder: A felony criminal charge alleging the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought, which in this case applies to both Stephanie Strock and her unborn child under Oklahoma law.

Court Information

The case is being handled within the Oklahoma court system. The defendant, Austin Morrison, is currently detained at the Leflore County Detention Center. As of the latest official releases, court records show that bond has not yet been set for the accused, and upcoming court dates have not been publicly detailed by prosecutors.

Statements from Authorities

Authorities have released limited details regarding the active investigation. According to press releases from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Heavener Police Department, the suspect stands accused of two counts of first-degree murder following a welfare check that uncovered injuries consistent with homicide and established that the victim was pregnant.

Public Safety Information

Incidents involving domestic violence and lethal force can deeply impact communities. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support available 24/7. In case of an immediate emergency, always dial 911.

What Happens Next

The case against Austin Morrison will proceed through the Oklahoma judicial system. Following his arrest and booking into the Leflore County Detention Center, the defendant is expected to make an initial appearance or arraignment where formal charges will be read, counsel will be appointed or confirmed, and a determination regarding bond will be addressed by a judge. The prosecution will continue building its case for presentation at subsequent preliminary hearings or grand jury proceedings.