Slain Oklahoma pastor, Carol Daniels, was posed in 'crucifix position'

September 01, 2009

Police in Anadarko, Okla., have issued shocking new details about the murder of a local pastor. Newly released documents report that the victim, 61-year-old Carol Daniels, was not only brutally attacked and murdered. She also received multiple post-mortem injuries before the perpetrator posed her nude body in an unnatural position.

According to police documents, authorities received a call on the afternoon of Aug. 23, asking them to come to the Christ Holy Sanctified Church. The callers, an elderly couple, said they were concerned because the reverend's vehicle was parked out front, but the doors to the church were locked. Their repeated knocking on the door went unanswered, and they feared that the reverend might have had an accident.

When officers entered the building, they were shocked to discover Daniels' nude and battered body lying behind the church altar, stretched out in a "crucifix position."

 "I've prosecuted over 50 murders, [and] this is the most horrific crime scene I've ever witnessed," District Attorney Bret Burns told the Associated Press.

Video surveillance footage retrieved from a nearby store shows that Daniels arrived at the church at about 10 a.m. Unfortunately, the footage does not show her attacker entering or leaving the church, suggesting that he or she entered through a back door. As a result, authorities have removed the back door from the building in an attempt to recover the perpetrator's fingerprints.

According to an eight-page medical examiner's report, Daniels died as a result of "multiple sharp force injuries." Severe lacerations were found on her back, chest, hands, neck and stomach. Several of the wounds had been inflicted post-mortem – after she died. The depth of the injuries to her throat had nearly decapitated her, whereas the injuries to her hands indicate that she had fought with her attacker. The autopsy report also noted that Daniels' hair was burned.

Daniels' clothes were not found at the crime scene, suggesting her killer took them either as a trophy or in an effort to hide possible evidence. In addition, chemicals found around Daniels' body suggest the killer attempted to destroy DNA evidence, perhaps to hide a sexual assault or to cover up injuries he or she could have sustained during the attack.

Authorities say they do not believe the murder is linked to a cult; however, they also admit that they do not know who is responsible.

"We have no suspects," Capt. Dwaine Miller of the Anadarko Police Department told Newsok.com. "We have no idea who did this."

In an effort to help track down the killer, Miller has requested the assistance of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the FBI. Both agencies have declined to comment on the status of the investigation.

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Christ Holy Sanctified Church of America, Inc. was founded in 1910 by Bishop Judge and Mother Sarah King in Keatchie, La. The organization reportedly has churches throughout the South, southeast, Midwest, and eastern and western portions of the United States as well as churches and missions in West Africa. According to Daniel's mother, Charlesetta Dunlap, her daughter was extremely devoted to the church, and she drove every week from her home in Oklahoma City to the Anadarko church – a 120-mile round trip – to preach to the small congregation there.

"The Christ Holy Sanctified Church (CHSC) organization in the local area of Anadarko, Okla., and nationally is deeply disturbed by this heinous assault on such a wonderful, kind, and compassionate Christian servant," Pastor Craig Brown, vice president of CHSC said in a press release. "While we realize that all of the information about Pastor Daniels' murder is ongoing, we support the diligence of the local and state law enforcement agencies, the local and state governmental officials and the news media. We are confident that, as a result of their steady and earnest efforts, the assailant(s) will be brought to justice."

On Aug. 31, nearly 1,000 mourners showed up at the Greater New Zion Baptist Church in Oklahoma City for Daniels' funeral. More than a dozen speakers took to the podium during the three-hour event, which celebrated Daniels' life.

"Pray so that we can forgive the person who did this," Daniels' brother, Minister Ivan Henderson, said during the funeral. "Pray that God gives favor to the police and the investigators, that God gives them strength."

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

"We are hopeful a large reward will entice someone with information to come forward," OSBI spokesperson Jessica Brown said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the bureau at 1-800-522-8017 or via e-mail at tips@osbi.ok.gov.

Related Link:
Read the autopsy of slain pastor Carol Daniels (WARNING: graphic)

Photo Credits: Carol Daniels: OSBI; All others: Associated Press

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Comments

[Joe]

What a horrific tragedy. Why would anybody do this?

[helenhudson]

God bless Carol Daniels and her family and congregation. What a loss and such sacrilege. Godspeed to LE to find this killer.

[E]

I don't understand how people have no regard for human life let alone, to take someone's life in GOD's house.My prayers go out to Ms.Daniels and her famliy.

[Pastor Norma Fogel]

This is clearly the work of the enemy of our souls.If ever there was a time for the Body of Christ to pray for the advancement of G-d's Kingdom, it is now.Pastor Carol is resting now with other Saints who were martyred for their faith ,I am sure , and we will see her again. I cry when I think about her final battle, but it seems hers was a life poured out to His Glory. I pray that her family will be comforted to know that Pastor Carol still inspires and encourages us even now. I wish I had known her in life, but I thank G-d for her .- Pastor Norma Fogel

[Nickey]

This is my friend's mother who died of this horrific death. I ask everyone pray for this family! There are TRUE demons in this world and we need Jesus now more than ever! Even though how she died is surreal, I know she is in a much better place. Please pray for this family that they have strength to overcome this and that the person be brought to justice.

[James Gibson]

I'm a former Police Ranger from Mn. I know these killers will be caught! This I know truly because it happened on the sabbath Day! God is still in control,I'm a w/m 50 y.o.a. and my heart goes out to the family & friends of Pastor Daniels! This may sound harsh,but I still believe there is a reason why God allowed this to unfortunately happen! Keep the faith Christians everywhere and pray & above all forgive! My 5y.o.a. niece was murder by her own mother when I was 14! I could not forgive then,but I surely can now!
Keep on keeping on! God Bless!

[cz]

Nickey, did she have a daughter named Keisha?

[Richard M. Mendez]

I'm very sad to read this. What a sick world that we live in. My prayers for the family and friends of the deceased and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

[James Gibson]

This is a message to you,the two killer's of Pastor Daniel's! I did not know her and I don't think you did either! I think you are a coward to sneak up on a woman of faith and it took the two of you to do it! You think you got away with don't! Well you are wrong,you made some serious mistakes! It's just a matter of time before they catch the two of you! In the meantime what ever made you do this drugs,Hate! the devil himself,be a man and just turn yourself in! Remember Jesus said no sin is too great to forgive!
Even Jesus was tempted by Satan,you know the hate that you still carry with you to this day!
Go to this site:Newsvine.com look up a true story called Drophate and love again! Turn yourself in after you read the story!

[j.s.h.]

first off "former officer gibson" there is no mention of multiple offenders so its not known whether it was the work of one or more persons. And its undetermined whether or not it was personal or robbery motivated.

[j.s.h.]

ok, my take on this is probably similar to the one police have gathered. 1) its likely she knew the offender, or offenders at least in a casual manner...2) they KNEW the area and church well enough to know to enter through the back to avoid cameras at the store. 3) she likely did something inadvertently or otherwise to enrage them due to the post mortem overkill involved. (unless she enraged the attacker by fighting back) my hunch on the clothing is that it was taken to avoid dna evidence. (unless some of the post mortem mutilation was done to this poor womans genitilia) I hate to suggest it, but this seems like an inside thing...possibly more youthful offenders within the church with former gang ties, or someone who didnt like the idea of a woman preacher, or even a guy who felt denied his rightful position. As always good report Lohr and My wishes for a quick resolve.

[James Gibson]

I say fire the Chief of Anadarko,Ok?
Come on a week later someone else besides a police officer finds a non related knife? A camera crew truck driver? Not a Police officer on the same day? I would have not only checked the car wash across the street but all sewers in the entire town!!!!
I say Fire the Chief Now!
J.G.

[okie Chiarian]

i dont feel she did anything to enrage anyone. i really feel this was a racially motivated crime. i live in western oklahoma and am very aware of the intitutional racism of this are. i believe this person did this to her because she was a black woman that was in somewhat a position of athority and this was his or her sick way of sending a message to other black people in the area