The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs– Missing and Murdered Unit (BIA MMU) provided an update on Monday regarding the ongoing investigation into the two sets of human remains discovered during the search operation conducted Feb. 18, 2026, in Love County.
The search was related to the ongoing investigation of missing persons, Molly Miller, a Chickasaw citizen, and Colt Haynes, according to Randy Wesley, Chickasaw Nation Commissioner of Tribal Law Enforcement.
Wesley said both agencies were notified by the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner that the two sets of human remains have been positively identified as those of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes.
The remains were found in an area between Oswalt Road, Pike Road and Long Hollow Road, according to investigators.
“The Miller and Haynes families have been notified, and we extend our deepest condolences to them during this difficult time,” said Wesley. “While no outcome can ease their loss, we hope this identification provides a measure of closure and allows them to begin the process of healing.”
Wesley said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the pair’s deaths remains active and ongoing.
“We are committed to pursuing all leads and ensuring a thorough and complete investigation. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our partners who assisted in this investigation, including the FBI, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Texas Search and Rescue, and Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management. This case reflects the strength of collaboration across jurisdictions in Indian Country, and we are appreciative of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by all involved.”
At the time of their disappearance, Miller was17, and Haynes, 21. According to reports, they disappeared in July of 2013 after the car they were passengers in was involved in a police chase and crashed into the woods in the area near where their remains were found in Love County.
The remains two people found recently in Love County were positively identified as Molly Miller, left, and Colt Haynes.
Identified
It was reported that Miller and Haynes called friends for help getting out of the woods that night and the next morning until around 9:30 a.m.
District Attorney Melissa Handke this week released a statement on the investigation which read: “Over the past 12 years, law enforcement has worked relentlessly to provide answers and closure to these families. The diligent efforts of the BIA, FBI, OSBI, and Chickasaw Lighthorse Police, have brought us closer to understanding what happened to Molly Miller and Colt Haynes. On behalf of my office, I want to thank these officers for their commitment. Over the last several months, my office has been working in conjunction with both Chickasaw Lighthorse Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I have been in contact with the Attorney General’s Office and will be moving forward with this case. Once the investigation has been concluded and the final report submitted to my office, I will present this case to the Multi-County Grand Jury for formal charges. My prayers are with the families today as we seek justice for Colt and Molly.” Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department at (580) 436-1166 or submit information anonymously at Chickasawlighthorsepolice. net/Confidential-Tip-Line or to the BIA-MMU at [email protected].
