Orval Eugene Eppler

Date Found: December 29, 1976

Location: Kenific, Oklahoma

Investigating Agency: Bryan County Sheriff’s Office

(580) 924-3000

On December 29th, 1976, Willard Brown walked into the home of Orval Eugene Eppler on OK 22 near Kenefic, Oklahoma and found Orval murdered. Willard, who had been bringing Orval some keys, immediately phoned the police.

Police discovered that someone had shot Orval once in the chest, likely with a .22 caliber long rifle. They found his body just inside the door, suggesting that someone had shot him outside and then dragged him back inside. He lay on his back with his hands taped together in front and his feet taped with medical tape. It appeared as if a fight had happened before the murder and Orval had injuries to show that. Police reported that Orval’s cup of coffee was still warm when they investigated the scene. Someone shot Orval at point-blank range around 4:45 p.m. Police found $5,000 inside the house, suggesting that robbery wasn’t the motive. Initially, authorities believed the murder was drug-related, but they found no further evidence to support that theory.

Orval was born on June 5th, 1947 in Kingston, Oklahoma. He was married to his wife Linda and had one son but was home alone at the time. Orval had recently owned a restaurant and was known in the area as an antiques dealer.

Please call the Bryan County Sheriff at (580) 924-3000 with any information in the murder of father Orval Eugene Eppler.