MCALESTER, Okla. — A jury trial begins March 4 in the murder of Holly Cantrell.
Her death is a Pittsburg County case that made national headlines nearly a decade ago.
What happened:
Cantrell, a married mother of three, worked as a physical therapist at McAlester Regional Health Clinic. She was five months pregnant with her boyfriend, Cody Ketchum's child. Cantrell was still married to Tony Cantrell at the time.
In 2017, she is on surveillance video leaving for her lunch break and getting into a green pickup with Ketchum. He told investigators he dropped her off at Braum’s to have lunch with friends. No one saw Cantrell alive again.
For years her family and friends wanted answers and talked to 2 News in 2019.
In February 2018, remains believed to be hers were found in the Cardinal Point Recreation Area in northern Pittsburg County. DNA testing confirmed the identity in 2020.
Investigators say Cantrell was married to Tony Cantrell but pregnant with Ketchum’s child.
Investigators spent two more years gathering evidence. In October 2022, Ketchum was indicted. Investigators said Ketchum was always their prime suspect.
Watch Ketchum's arrest:
A trial initially set for May 2023 was delayed for prosecutors to do more forensic testing. As part of that continuance, Ketchum’s bond was reduced from $750,000 to $250,000. However, he did not bond out and is currently in the Pittsburg County Jail awaiting trial.
What's Next:
Ketchum's trial begins March 4th, seven years after Cantrell's disappearance.
Authorities anticipate a lengthy trial. They told 2 News their evidence is complex.
2 News Anchor Erin Christy is going to be in the courtroom in McAlester during the trial to follow all the developments until a verdict is reached.
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