Joseph Benjamin McGaha Jr

Date Found: May 17, 1981

Location: Cushing, Oklahoma

Investigating Agency: Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

(800) 522-8017

Bonnie Faye McGaha, 51, and her husband, Joseph Benjamin McGaha Jr 56, were found dead inside their Cushing home on May 17, 1981. According to authorities, both Bonnie and Joe died from smoke inhalation when their trailer was intentionally set on fire. Joe and Bonnie were found near the foot of their bed, indicating they had tried to escape.

According to an article written about their deaths, Cushing assistant fire chief at the time, Lewis Blackburn said, “were killed by their first breath of “super-heated” air accumulating below the ceiling in the 3:45 a.m. blaze.”

Bonnie is pictured here. Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate a photo of Joe McGaha to this date.

Little else is known about their deaths, and their case remains unsolved. If you have any information about the deaths of Bonnie Faye and Joe McGaha, please contact the #OSBI at 800-522-8017 or submit a tip at tips@osbi.ok.gov. You can also submit a tip anonymously to your local law enforcement agency.