Oklahoma man accused of killing girlfriend, 2 others and burying them in shallow grave

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Okla. (TCD) -- A 61-year-old man was taken into custody at a local casino after allegedly admitting to killing three people, including his girlfriend.

According to the Tahlequah Daily Press, on Jan. 29, investigators from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office discovered three bodies buried in shallow graves in Eldon Hill. The Sharp County Sheriff in Arkansas reportedly contacted Cherokee County Sheriff Jason Chennault and said a man found his missing sister in a grave on Robert Lewis' property. Chennault’s deputies obtained a search warrant and then arrested Lewis at the Cherokee Nation Casino.

Chennault said in a press conference, "We interviewed him, and he admitted to killing three people and burying them on his property. We held the scene all night and came out this morning, and did find two additional people in shallow graves."

The Tahlequah Daily Press reports Chennault said Lewis "admitted to killing all three of them," but did not provide an explanation as to why. He did, however, say he believed the killings were related to "some type of narcotics deal."

The victims were identified as 43-year-old Quinley Lamb, 42-year-old Brian Shackleford, and 36-year-old DeAnna Tippey, his girlfriend, according to the Norman Transcript. Lamb and Shackleford are both from Sharp County, Arkansas.

The Norman Transcript reports Lewis drew a map for deputies to show them where he left the bodies. Shackleford and Lamb were reportedly buried together. Lamb reportedly suffered a fractured skull, Shackelford was stabbed or cut in his neck, and Tippey was allegedly strangled.

According to the Tahlequah Daily Press, Lewis allegedly killed Lewis and Shackelford on Jan. 16, his birthday. Tippey was killed on or after Jan. 19.

KOTV-DT reports Lewis was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and is being held without bond.

MORE: