Stilwell man sentenced for murder, federal firearms offense

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that a Stilwell man was sentenced to 24 years in prison.

According to reports, Jerry Lee Matlock, 41, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for second-degree murder in Indian Country and 120 months for use, carry, brandish and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Sentences are to be served consecutively.

Charges against Matlock arose after a probe by the Adair County Sheriff's Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On Sept. 14, 2021, Matlock intentionally fired his rifle at an individual from inside a truck and drove away from the scene. Authorities discovered the victim dead from a gunshot wound to the chest.

On Feb. 12, 2024, Matlock pleaded guilty to the charges.

Honorable Judge John C. Coughenour presided over the hearing and Matlock will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross prosecuted the case.