Guilty verdict at 'Bigfoot' murder trial in Ada
ADA, Okla. (KTEN) — A man who claimed that the threat of "Bigfoot" led him to kill his friend two years ago was found guilty of first-degree murder in an Ada courtroom on Wednesday.
Larry Sanders, 55, was arrested in July 2022 after admitting to killing his friend, Jimmy Knighten as they were fishing along the South Canadian River near Ada.
Sanders said he believed that Knighten had summoned Bigfoot to kill him.
On Day 2 of the murder trial, Sanders' sister and a psychologist — Dr. Reagan Hill — testified before the defendant took the witness stand.
Sanders was questioned by his defense team about what had happened on July 9, 2022. He testified that Knighten put him in a choke hold three different times during the altercation that ended in Knighten's death.
But District 22 District Attorney Erik Johnson said the evidence argued against Sanders' account.
"The medical examiner testifying that the various wounds that Mr. Knighten had, covering his face and body, and lack of defensive wounds on his hands and arms," Johnson said.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Shawn Roberson offered testimony about psychological tests and clinical interviews of Sanders.
Judge Steven Kessinger made the guilty verdict because Sanders had waived his right to a jury trial.
A sentencing hearing is set for June 18.
The medical examiner testifying that the various wounds Mr. Knighten had covering his face and body, and lack of defensive wounds on his hands and arms. ...
"We will be pushing for a life without parole sentence," Johnson said.
