OKLAHOMA CITY – JOHNNY SAPCUT, 18, of Elgin, Oklahoma, has been arrested for murder in connection with a death in Indian country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed today, in the early hours of February 15, 2022, law enforcement responded to a home after a woman called 911 in apparent distress. The affidavit alleges that Sapcut and the woman were the only two in the home and that the woman was deceased.  An investigation into the cause of death is underway.

The case is charged in federal court because the alleged crime took place on tribal land of the Comanche Nation both the defendant and victim are members of the Comanche Nation.

Sapcut was arrested in the early morning hours and made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shon T. Erwin.  Judge Erwin ordered that Sapcut be detained pending a detention hearing on February 18, 2022.

If found guilty, Sapcut faces a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and mandatory restitution.  This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office, the Comanche Nation Police, and the Comanche County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Noble is prosecuting the case.

The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  Reference is made to public filings for more information.