ENID, Okla. – A Garfield County jury today recommended a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for Charles Edward Jordan, 57, after finding him guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Colby Sheppard, 27, of Enid. The verdict was returned in Garfield County District Court before Judge Paul Woodward following a four-day trial.
Mr. Sheppard was reported missing in December 2023. His remains were discovered on August 27, 2024, in a storm cellar behind an abandoned residence in Enid, after a tip to the Enid Police Department. Jordan and three others were charged with first-degree murder in September 2024.
The case was prosecuted by Ben Bowers and Baleigh Herring of the Garfield County District Attorney’s Office. It was investigated by the Enid Police Department with assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office. The jury heard testimony from 15 witnesses, including law enforcement, forensic experts and other individual witnesses who came forward.
“Colby Sheppard’s family waited a long time for this day. The jurors gave this case their full attention, and their verdict reflects the seriousness of what happened. Our thoughts remain with Colby’s family and friends,” said District Attorney Tommy Humphries.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Woodward. Jordan remains in custody without bond.
Three other defendants, Devin Harris, Heaven Jordan and Victor Battelo, were charged in connection with Mr. Sheppard’s death. Harris and Jordan previously pled guilty to first-degree manslaughter for their involvement. The case against Victor Battelo is scheduled for trial on October 26, 2026.
