The family of Lee Hodges, 44, is seeking additional information after Seminole County prosecutors declined to file charges in a fatal shooting that occurred in December in Cromwell. Authorities said Hodges was killed during a confrontation with a neighboring property owner, and his family is requesting records to better understand the circumstances of the incident.
DA declines to charge after OSBI probe
Seminole County District Attorney Erik Johnson announced that his office would not pursue criminal charges, citing the results of an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation probe that was handed over to prosecutors, according to News 9. In a press release, Johnson said the property owner fired three shots after issuing multiple verbal warnings and that investigators concluded Hodges charged at the homeowner. Prosecutors emphasized that their decision was based on the OSBI findings rather than any on-the-spot arrest or lack thereof at the scene.
Family disputes the official account
Hodges' mother, Kathy Marley, told reporters that her son was unarmed when he left the family home and cut across a neighbor's property on his way to a cousin's house. Marley and other relatives say Hodges was shot multiple times in the back and that they still have not received a death certificate or coroner's report, as reported by KFOR.
Family requests 911 call and body-camera footage
The Marley family says it has formally requested a copy of the 911 call the shooter reportedly made, along with any police body-camera footage from the response. They argue those records are critical to understanding what warnings were given and in what order events unfolded. According to relatives, neighbors have told them they now feel safer being outside because the accused shooter has moved away from the area. Details of the family's requests for recordings and public transparency were outlined by News 9.
OSBI's role and legal context
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation took over the case and delivered its investigative findings to the Seminole County District Attorney, a step prosecutors say guided their decision not to file charges. Typically, agencies like OSBI collect evidence, statements and other material, then submit their work to the county attorney, who decides whether the legal standard for prosecution has been met. More information about the agency's role and services is available from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
What comes next
With the DA declining to bring charges, the criminal case is effectively closed unless new evidence surfaces. The Marley family, however, says it is not backing down. They plan to keep pushing for transparency and have urged anyone with video or information about the shooting to contact investigators, as reported by KFOR. Relatives say lingering questions about the warnings allegedly given, the distance between the men and the absence of a coroner's report have made it hard to accept the official findings, and they intend to keep pressing local officials for records and clarity.
