On May 1, 2023, near the quiet town of Henryetta, Oklahoma, 7 people, including 5 children, were brutally murdered and some sexually assaulted at a home in Okmulgee County. Investigators believe the attack, which occurred in the late hours of the evening, was carried out by Jesse Lee McFadden, a convicted felon with a violent crime and sexual assault history. The murders not only shocked the local community but also garnered national attention, highlighting critical issues surrounding sentencing for sex crimes and the investigation tactics of local law enforcement.
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Background
Henryetta, a small city founded in 1901, is located in Oklahoma along Interstate 40 and the Indian Nation Turnpike, approximately 90 miles from Tulsa, 130 miles from Oklahoma City, and 200 miles from Dallas, Texas. With a population of 5,625 as of 2022, Henryetta is considered a small city, characterized by its close-knit community and serene environment. It has about 1,072 students in grades K -12. According to Homes.com, the city’s housing stock includes cottages, bungalows, and ranch-style homes, many of which are historic from the oil boom era and priced under $200,000. Residential lots are notably large, providing ample space between homes and contributing to the city’s relaxed, spacious feel. Despite its peaceful reputation, Henryetta was thrust into the national spotlight following the devastating massacre.
The Crime
Courtesy: Facebook and Henryetta Public Schools
Ivy Webster (14) and Brittany Brittany Brewer (16), two young girls who attended Henryetta Middle School, were invited over to a sleepover with 13 year old Tiffany Guess something the trio had done many times before according to Webster’s mother Ashleigh Webster. Tiffany lived with her mom, Holly Guess McFadden, her two siblings Rylee Allen and Michael Mayo, and her stepfather Jesse McFadden.
Webster’s mother says Jesse picked up Brittany and then Ivy and went to the mall, main event, and several stores throughtout the day and evening. Asheligh Webster says her and her daughter were close so they exchanged snapchats and messages throughout the day and Ivy seemed to be having a good time. Around 11 PM, saturday, Ashleigh says she sent Ivy a picture of her dog and she responded with a snapchat telling her to go to bed (Ashleigh was usually sleep at this hour on weekdays).
However at some point during the night, events took a horrific turn. When both Webster and Brewer failed to return home that sunday night and couldn’t be reached, their parents became alarmed and notified law enforcement. A missing and endangered alert was activated and a search for the missing children led them to McFadden’s property monday afternoon.
What they discovered was beyond comprehension. The bodies of all six victims were found in various locations outside the property, some showing signs of a violent struggle. Law enforcement say the victims were all shot with a 9 MM handgun purchased by Holly McFadden. They also say two of the victims, Ivy and Brittany were sexually assaulted. Holly Guess and her three children were killed with multiple gunshots to the head– Holy with three. Webster and Brewer were found with a single gunshot to the head as well as the self inflicted shot that killed McFadden.
Henryetta Public School Response
The public school system of the students gave a statement the same day the bodies were found stating:
“Our hearts are hurting, and we have considered what would be best for our students in the coming days,” the school wrote in a letter to parents, adding that classes would continue, but upcoming graduation ceremonies scheduled for the week were postponed. Grief counselors would also be made available to students throughout the week.”
Henryetta Public Schools Facebook
Ivy Webster’s Mother’s Recorded Reaction to the Murders
Law Enforcement Press Conference Following Discover of the Bodies
Note: This press conference was very preliminary. It occurred prior to autopsies being performed on the bodies and prior to OSBI being called.
OSBI Involvement and the McFadden Property
On May 3rd, two days after the bodies were found, the Webster family was given permission by the owner of the McFadden property to search the home. By that time, the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Department had cleared the area as no longer a crime scene. Ashleigh Webster said their main goal was to retrieve Ivy’s belongings, such as her cell phone and book bag. However, when they arrived (the first day alone and they second day with a KFOR news reporter), they found several pieces of evidence left behind. The video shows drug paraphernalia, sex toys, Jesse’s computer and monitors, and multiple cell phones. Most disturbingly, they discovered bondage chains near the beds and windows that had been nailed shut.
After contacting a sheriff about what they’d found, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation took over the case.
Remembering the Victims
The community, families, and some of McFadden’s previous victims worked to honor the lives of the victims. They held Vigils, created a garden (for Ivy Webster), and even held a memorial ride to honor the teens.
Ivy Webster (14)
According to her obituary, Webster was born April 23, 2009 in Surprise, AZ to Justin and Ashleigh (Boykin) Webster. Ivy was a student at the Henryetta Middle School and loved to play softball, her other love is Mavis, her dog.
i have known Ivy since 3rd grade im am so sad that i never got to say goodbye to the webster family i am so sorry for your loss she will be greatly missed i love ivy so much, there was never a time where Ivy failed to make me laugh, she was beautiful, kind, and overall an amazing friend and i am so glad i had the time to get to know her and make memories with her.
Summer Stidham – May 13, 2023 at 12:11 AM, via Ivy’s obituary posting
Courtesy: Rogers Funeral Home
Brittany Brewer (15)
According to her obituary, Brewer was born April 22, 2008 in Garland, TX to Nathan Brewer and Malaina Gay. She was a student in the Henryetta middle School, member of the School Choir, member of Schulter Baptist Church and was very active in the Nazarene Youth Group. Her father nathan says Brewer had just been nominated Miss Henryetta.
I remember when I first became friends with her through another friend Jordan. She was the sweetest girl, always had the best smile on her face. I always remember her making silly jokes every morning when we would wake up. Sweet girl you will be so missed. I’m so sorry this happened to you and we will find justice one way or the other. Your family loves and misses you so much. They even made a garden by dads in memory of youheart you’re super loved beautiful. Rest easy”
Addison – May 04, 2023 at 09:10 AM via Brittany’s obituary posting
Courtesy: Rogers Funeral Home
Holly Guess McFadden (35), Rylee Allen (17) , Michael Mayo (15), and Tiffany Guess (13)
Courtesy: Facebook and Henryetta Public Schools
Though their obituaries couldn’t be found. Tiffany (far right) attended Henryetta Middle School. She ran cross-country, sang in choir and had tried out for the cheerleading squad. Her and Ivy were best friends.
Michael Mayo (second from right) was active as well running track and played football.
Rylee Allen (second from left), the oldest of the bunch, was reportedly a painter who eventually wanted to go into the medical field and continue her art.
The grandmother of the three and mother of Holly, Janette Mayo, talks about them in an interview with the New York Post.
Who was Jesse Mcfadden?
Courtesy: Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office
According to records, Mcfadden dropped out of high school in the 9th grade. Shortly after Mcfadden would find himself in a series of trouble with law enforcment throughout Oklahoma. In November of 2002, Mcfadden was charged with possession of alcohol while under the age of 21 in Pittsburg County. A few months later in February he was pulled over for going 98 in a 70. The following month in March, he was charged with grand larceny in a home that valued more than $1,000. In August and October of that same year, he was charged on two different occasions for driving With a suspended licence and failure to carry security verification. In November 2003, McFadden was charged with first-degree rape and using force and fear against a 16-year-old girl, leading to a 17-year prison sentence.
2003 Rape Charge
In November 2003, McFadden was charged with first-degree rape and using force and fear against a 16-year-old girl, leading to a 20 year prison sentence. McFadden would serve only 17 of those years do to Oklahoma’s 85 percent rule for violent and sexual felonies.
Strong has recounted the 2003 incident with several news outlets and on her social media. She says she met McFadden through a friend he was dating at the time. After leaving a party the three had attended, and returning home, Strong says she heard loud knocks at the door from McFadden. After questioning why he was there, Strong says McFadden would proceed to tie her down, stuff socks in her mouth, and assault her at knife point.
She recounts the events in detail with a local news station KFOR News here.
2017 Sexual Assault Charges
While in prison, McFadden attended educational classes to shave down his 20 year sentence, however this still didn’t keep him out of trouble. Mcfadden’s Oklahoma Department of Correction prison records show that he had atleast 10 offenses including sexual activity with other inmates, positive drug tests and illegal possession of tobacco.
However, it was the contraband cell phone that would incur serious charges.
In July 8, 2016 a prison officer confiscated the phone from Mcfadden. An audit determend McFadden had been having sexual conversations with a young girl. The two also exchanged explicit pictures and videos. The victim would later identifiy herself as Kaitlyn Babb.
Despite this, Mcfadden was still released from prison after serving 17 years for “good behavior”. He was later arraigned in Muskogee county for soliciting a minor and possessing the sexual images. He was released on a $25,000 bond and was scheduled for court the Monday after the murders.
After being released from prison, McFadden allegedly told Babb that he’d gotten a good job in marketing that’d he lose from the new charges and that it was all her fault. McFadden was 39 when the murders and assaults happened. Babb recounts her 2017 experience with Tom Stelloh from NBC News.
Questionable State Laws/Allowances
- Why was McFadden released in the first place?
- McFadden was released early because of Oklahoma’s 85% rule, the minimum amount of time a person must serve (if their offense is within the list of violations) in order to be eligible for release. However once released in 2020, McFadden was arrested and released again on bond for his pending 2017 phone sexual assault charges.
- Why was Mcfadden able to attend schools sports events?
- No one, outside of Holly Guess and law enforcement, claim to have known about McFadden’s sexual assault past. Sporting events also didn’t require Mcfadden to disclose his information nor did they perform background checks.
- Why were neighbors (like the Websters) not notifed that a convicted sex offender lived near them?
- In Oklahoma there was no requirement that law enforcement notify neighors directly about offenders in their community, only that they maintain and provide access to the offender registry.
- Were the police not monitoring McFadden?
- Yes and No. According to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections McFadden was not on probation after being released from prison. However, he was mandated to do check-ins with the local Sheriff’s Department every 90 days to confirm his address, job, residents in the home, vehicles, etc.
- Why was McFadden allowed to live with three minors?
- In Oklahoma it is okay for an offender to live with minors if they were they offender’s children. Rylee Allen, Michael Mayo, and Tiffany Guess were considered by law McFadden’s step children.
- Did Holly know about McFadden’s sexual assault record?
- Some reports say that Holly was aware of McFadden’s record. Her mother claims he lied and said the charges were a misunderstanding.
- How was McFadden able to obtain a gun?
- McFadden used Holly Guess’s 9 mm handgun that she’d purchased in 2022 according to the Henryetta police chief.
Knight’s Law
After the murders, the Webster and Brewer families, with state legislatures, advocated for Knight’s Law. This law would mandate that anyone convicted of serious sex crimes, sexual abuse, or human trafficking of minors must serve their full sentence. It also addresses several other legal issues linked to the murders, including mandatory notification to anyone marrying a sex offender about their past. With support from Rep. Scot Fetgatter (R-Okmulgee), the law passed its House reading. The bill was named after the teen’s school mascot, the “Henryetta Knight.”
Knights Law 2.0 now aims for National recognition.
Read more on Knight’s Law and Sign The Petition Here
Tools For Change
- Know Your State’s Sex Offender Laws: Understand the laws in your state regarding sex offender registration, notification requirements, and residency restrictions.
- Know Who’s on Your Local Sex Offender Registry: Regularly check the sex offender registry for your area to stay informed about who lives near you.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the signs of grooming, abuse, and predatory behavior. Share this knowledge with family, friends, and your community.
- Create a Safety Plan: Develop a personal and family safety plan that includes what to do if someone feels threatened or unsafe. This can include communication strategies, safe places, and trusted contacts.
- Report Suspicious Behavior: If you notice anything unusual or concerning in your neighborhood, report it to local authorities. Early intervention can prevent crimes.
- Advocate for Stronger Laws: Support or advocate for legislation that strengthens sex offender laws and ensures better community notification and safety measures.
- Support Victims and Prevention Programs: Get involved with or donate to organizations that support victims of sexual violence and work to prevent these crimes.
- Stay Informed and Connected: Engage with local law enforcement, attend community meetings, and stay informed about changes in laws and local safety measures.
News Coverage & Media Content Related to the case
Ashleigh Webster (Ivy’s Mother)’s Tik tok account: @ashleigh_ivysmom
Aundrea Gibbons contributed to this article.
