Man says 'he was going to kill me' as he is arrested for his father's murder: report

An Oklahoma murder suspect allegedly told a witness his father “was going to kill me,” and that is why instead he killed his elder, police said.

On Feb. 6, officials said a witness entered the home in Arkoma, Oklahoma, and found his family member, later identified as 58-year-old Jackie Gage, dead with several head wounds, 5 News reported.

According to 5 News, the witness found Jackie’s son, 35-year-old Joel Gage, on the porch of the home and asked him if he realized “he just killed his dad.” Joel allegedly replied, “He said he killed Tony and he was going to kill me.”

The witness added that Joel was “rambling” and repeatedly said “what” in a manner that was out of context, 5 News reported.

According to the police report, Joel’s mother received a FaceTime call from Joel and she could hear Jackie in the background saying, “No, Joe, what are you doing?” in a way that sounded like he was “pleading for his life.” The phone hung up and his mother could not get a hold of him again.

Several law enforcement agencies arrived at the home, but Joel had barricaded himself for several hours, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said. After using gas canisters, deputies got Joel out of the house.

Joel was arrested and treated in an ambulance before he was taken to the LeFlore County Jail. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder. A judge denied setting bond, officials said.

Kathleen Branscum, a friend of Jackie Gage, spoke to 5 News about Jackie, “He was a wonderful, wonderful person. And I just hope he’s finally at peace with some comfort."

The case is being investigated by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.