Johnson Drywater

Date Found: April 20, 1970

Location: Vian, Oklahoma

Investigating Agency: Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office

(918) 775-9155

Johnson Drywater, pictured here at age 12, was found murdered on April 20th, 1970 in Vian, Oklahoma. He was 31.

On April 20th, a Stilwell school bus driver discovered Johnson’s body while driving his normal school route at 8 am. He was in a ditch about a mile west of Dwight Mission, located at 100995 South 4590 Road, Vian. An autopsy showed that Johnson’s throat had been slashed twice from behind, likely with a very sharp hunting knife. There was no sign of a struggle at the site so it’s unknown if he was killed there or elsewhere.
Johnson was last seen at a tavern near Sallisaw around 10:30 pm the night before. Nothing of import happened at the tavern and it was a calm night. Police say Johnson had no issues with anyone recently. Though Johnson was from Vian police say he was well-known in Stilwell.

Johnson, who was Native, was born February 1st, 1939 in Evening Shade, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. He attended Vian public schools. Johnson wasn’t married at the time and had no known children. He left behind several brothers and sisters.

If you have any information in the ruthless murder of Johnson Drywater please call the Sequoyah County Sheriff at (918) 775-9155. Any information is helpful.