Bob McCarty Writes

EDITOR’S NOTE: Continued from Part Five, below is Part Six of Carrie Fatigante’s six-part series about the still-unsolved mystery surrounding the death of Jarret Austin Clark, a young Oklahoma man, only days after his high school graduation.

By Carrie Fatigante

Shortly after this latest conviction, Brandon Hargrove was killed in a car accident on a Wagoner County road July 18, 2008, after the car he was riding in veered off of a curve and, according to the Tulsa World, vaulted into a creek bed and landed on its top in approximately 18 inches of water. The irony of this submersion in water was not lost on those familiar with the case, including one person online who proclaimed, “Karma is always around, watching who it’s going to get next, it got justice for Jarret. Karma got a hold of Brandon Hargrove.”

Two grand juries failed to return indictments on Brandon, Courtney Manzer, Tony Wallen and/or Dayna Hargrove, citing insufficient evidence. Several witnesses were called to the grand jury hearings, but many failed to appear and, according to Jarret’s mother, Tammy Slater, some of those who did appear were not allowed to testify. The case consists primarily of circumstantial evidence and, apparently, jurors were not convinced criminal charges were plausible from the facts presented.

Many questions remain about Wagoner County’s investigation of this case, and the Slaters speculate a possible cover-up since it is rumored that Brandon and Dayna Hargrove are extended relatives of Jim Hargrove, a Wagoner County commissioner. Tammy personally asked Jim Hargrove over the phone if he was related to Brandon and Dayna, and she says he denied knowing of any connection. However, a reliable source indicated to me that he is their great uncle.

After the Slaters’ disappointment with local law enforcement, they were able to provide enough pressure to get the OSBI on the scene, but not until a full three days after Jarret’s disappearance. And it was the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation that located Jarret’s body.

The only pieces of evidence found at the scene were Jarret’s shoe and jacket, and these were found by Jarret’s step-dad, Eric Slater, and a park ranger. These items were spotted approximately 300 feet from the lake near some brush, which spurred police speculation that Jarret simply wandered off alone and drunkenly stumbled into the lake.

Eric calls this claim a lie, noting, “I looked at his feet [when identifying Jarret’s body] and they were both in the same [condition]. But he was found with one shoe on and one shoe in the woods. I thoroughly searched those same woods and there are stickers and briar patches and all kinds of things that would have [marked] Jarret’s foot. This proves to me he didn’t walk anywhere.” Notably, none of this was noted as evidence on the ME report, nor was the condition of Jarret’s face, explains Eric.

Tammy claims Wagoner County officials also suggested to OSBI that perhaps she and Eric planted their son’s shoe and jacket in hopes to expedite the search and intimate foul play. When an OSBI agent parroted this accusation, the Slaters were devastated and alarmed at the same time. They instantly sensed that county investigators were intentionally trying to misrepresent Jarret’s case, possibly because of Jim Hargrove’s influence in Wagoner County.

“I’m convinced that the Hargrove name is why there was a delayed investigation,” maintains Eric.

Tammy and Eric are positive Jarret was murdered, and a quick search of the internet proves they’re not the only ones. Yet, this case remains unsolved and essentially inactive though, as I reported earlier, the office of the new Wagoner County Sheriff stated plans to move the investigation forward.

The Slater’s attorney, Mark Collier, told the Tulsa World that the most recent grand jury, which took place in December 2008, was the family’s last chance to boost this case. Tammy says the case has not been closed, but no one is ardently seeking justice either.

Some conclude the Slaters are unwilling to admit Jarret’s death was a tragic accident that came as a result of heavy partying. Regarding a possible connection to County Commissioner Jim Hargrove, Tammy is mostly met with skepticism and accusations that she is falsely promoting conspiracy theories. Undaunted by the criticism, she believes it’s better to look at all angles and be proved wrong rather than to not look at all.

Jarret’s death left many unanswered questions, and a deep sense of loss for the Slaters. But next to Jarret’s parents, Sean Sanderson lost the most.

“We were like brothers,” he said.

Sean and Jarret had been friends since the summer before tenth grade and were planning to join the Army and become combat engineers together after graduation.

Sean recently returned from a location where he is serving in Iraq, but while he was there he wrote me.

“Every time I’m up in the gunner’s hatch, I look up at the sky and know he’s watchin’ my 6,” he wrote. Obviously deeply affected by Jarret’s death, he remains especially close with Jarret’s parents to this day.

If you live in Oklahoma, you may spot cars with windshield decals that read “Justice for Jarret” or “We Will Never Forget” with Jarret’s name and birth date. These signs confirm what the Slaters feel (i.e., that this case warrants further investigation).

For pictures and a moving tribute to Jarret, please visit Jarret’s website at www.JarretAustinClark.com. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Broken Arrow Police Department at 918-259-8400 or the OSBI at 918-456-0653.