OKLAHOMA – A metro family is gaining a sense of peace tonight after two arrests have been made in connection with the murder of their loved one.
For nearly eight years, Cory Bodily’s death has been a mystery.
Wednesday afternoon, the Cleveland County Sheriff made a big announcement – two people were now in custody in connection with Bodily’s murder.
“Let this stand as a warning to the criminal element: If you bring your criminal activity to Cleveland County, it will be a mistake,” said Sheriff Joe Lester.
The investigation started back in 2008.
Bodily disappeared in July.
Christmas Day that year, his skull was found by a dog near 171st Ave SE and Cemetery Road.
Weeks later, the rest of his remains were found buried under a pile of brush and leaves.
For years, the case dragged on, but now two people are in jail.
The sheriff said Bobby Perkins and Libby Cox have admitted they were involved in Bodily’s death.
“I feel such joy to know that somebody is going to pay,” said Sharleen Resor, the victim’s mother.
There was a time when Resor thought the case would never be solved.
Then, in 2014, a new group of investigators took over.
NewsChannel 4 spoke with Resor just weeks later.
Her pain at the time was still raw as she was desperate for answers.
Investigators also spoke to us at the time, in hopes of uncovering new leads.
They now said it did help.
“We had a lot of information that came in every time we sought help from the public,” said Captain Kevin Brandon.
Investigators won’t say much about the investigation, only that robbery may have been a motive.
For Resor, this news has brought peace that will help her to move forward.
“If I leave this earth today, it’s okay, because I have at least seen these people be held accountable,” she said.
Cleveland Co Sheriff with investigators and victim's mother pic.twitter.com/DyVhi5ML0G
— Chellie Mills (@chelliemills) June 1, 2016
Investigators said they are following more leads.
They are also looking for more suspects, and they do expect more arrests to be made.
The victim’s mother said she has never heard of or met the suspects, so she doesn’t know how they may have known her son.
The investigation is ongoing.
If you have information which could help, contact the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.
