Kendall Lee Forrester, a 35-year-old resident of Wister, Oklahoma, has been convicted by a federal jury on multiple charges, including First Degree Murder in Indian Country. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the verdict.
The trial began on February 24 and concluded with a guilty verdict on February 27, 2025. Forrester was also found guilty of using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and causing death in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 924(c).
Evidence presented at trial revealed that Forrester shot the victim in the head on October 31, 2023. The following day, authorities discovered the victim's body wrapped in plastic sheeting inside a hope chest located in the back of their vehicle. During an inventory search of Forrester's vehicle, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun and freshly washed clothes and towels. Further investigation at Forrester’s residence uncovered additional evidence linking him to the crime.
The case involved investigations by several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, and Heavener Police. The crimes took place within LeFlore County on the Choctaw Nation Reservation.
Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White presided over the trial. Sentencing will be scheduled after a presentence report is completed, with Forrester remaining in custody until then.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Howanitz and Dean Burris represented the prosecution.