Oklahoma Fugitive Suspected of Murdering Relatives Killed in Shootout With Police

Michael Dale Vance, Jr., the Oklahoma fugitive who authorities said shot two officers and killed two relatives a week ago, died in a shootout Sunday night, according to the FBI Special Agent Terry Weber.

Michael Dale Vance Jr. is shown in an undated booking photo. (Credit: CNN)

One officer was shot during the pursuit, according to Ellis County Sheriff Shane Booth. The officer’s condition is unknown at this time.

Details of the shootout were not immediately available.

Earlier in the day, Booth said Vance, 38, of Chandler, Oklahoma, had likely been spotted but fled from his hiding spot and camp site just north of Hammon. A perimeter was immediately setup at all north entrances to Ellis County and Dewey County. Vance fled in his car but was believed to have been contained within the perimeter, according to Booth.

Manhunt

Vance had been on the run since allegedly injuring the two officers in Wellston during a shootout on Oct. 23, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency officials in Lincoln County, northeast of Oklahoma County, said Vance shot and wounded the two officers after they responded a disturbance call. The wounded officers returned fire, striking Vance at least once.

Vance, who was recently charged with child sex abuse, fled in a stolen patrol car. He was believed to be carrying an AK-47.

That evening, investigators believe Vance shot at a woman, injuring her as he stole her Lincoln Town Car.

Authorities later spotted a similar car at a house in Luther. Police found the bodies of Robert and Valerie Kay Wilkson, who were Vance’s aunt and uncle, according to CNN affilate KFOR-TV.

Both were stabbed and Robert Wilkerson had been shot. Based on the stab wounds, authorities said the killer apparently tried to behead Wilkson and dismember his wife.

Social media posts

Vance boasted about his crimes on social media, posting videos on Facebook. In one instance, he pointed at a weapon on the floor of his vehicle — possibly an AK-47 — and hinted at more violence to come.

Another of Vance’s uncles said shortly after the shooting that his nephew may have been plotting the rampage for week.

Vance, who had recently been released from jail, was angry after he was arrested in July on the accusations of child sexual abuse, the uncle told KFOR.

“Everything that was said, it was all a setup,” Vance said on Facebook.

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