Joe Watson

Date Found: January 19, 1989

Location: Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Investigating Agency: Okmulgee Police Department

(918) 756-3511

Joe J. Watson was found dead inside the McDonald’s restaurant where he worked as the night manager, located at the intersection of 10th and Wood Drive. His body was discovered by employees arriving for work at 4:30 AM on January 19, 1989. At the time of his death, he was responsible for closing the restaurant, which had an 11 PM closing time.

The cause of death was determined to be gunshot wounds and physical assault, with a .22 caliber rifle used in the attack. Joe had been shot in the chest. In a disturbing twist, his wallet was located near railroad tracks approximately 70 yards from the restaurant. Additionally, broken pieces of what appeared to be a small caliber rifle were found inside the restaurant.

Joe was a third-semester student at Oklahoma State University Technical Branch in Okmulgee, where he was known to be responsible and dedicated to his studies. The last sighting of him by his colleagues was around midnight.

The Okmulgee Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.