Pontotoc County District Attorney pursuing charges in 2018 shooting death
ADA, Okla. (KFOR) — A man is facing second degree murder charges six years after he allegedly killed someone at a home in Byng. The victim's family and the Pontotoc County District Attorney talked with News 4 about the newest developments and why the case is being looked at a second time.
Pontotoc County DA Erik Johnson took office last year and started looking at a cold case OSBI asked him to revisit.
He said he found enough evidence to look into the case again and take it to trial.
The victim was 20-year-old, Jonathon Piñon.
His sisters remembered some of the good moments they'll always have in their hearts.
"He was always trying to make us laugh. He was my best friend. He was about two years older than me," said Kayla and Lexcee Delgado, sisters of Jonathon Piñon.
According to the affidavit, on October 26, 2018, a woman got a phone call from her son, Zachery Perkins, who told her not to go home because there was a dead man on her couch.
"The victim, Jonathan Piñon, was shot in the face by the defendant in this matter, Zachery Perkins. It was at a party in Byng Oklahoma," said Erik Johnson, Pontotoc County District Attorney.
The case centers around two friends who allegedly pulled guns on each other.
Court records show Perkins and four witnesses were interviewed by OSBI agents. Their stories were similar, but still different.
"Evidence will show that the defendant, took a weapon from the decedent, poured a chemical on the body, left the residence with several other individuals, fled to Oklahoma city, was apprehended the next day after a short pursuit," said Johnson.
Court documents explain Perkins denied, then admitted, to pouring Fabuloso cleaner on Piñon, but couldn't say why.
"At that time, there was no charges filed," said Johnson.
Six years later, DA Johnson is deciding to pursue charges in the case.
"A jury will have an opportunity to make a determination as to the innocence or guilt of the defendant," said Johnson.
Piñon's family is relieved and hoping for justice.
"We're thankful that this new DA listen to us and heard us and cares enough to try to put him away," said Lexcee.
"I think right before he left, I did tell him, like, bye, love you. Not knowing it was going to be the last time I seen him walk out that door. I don't think I fully got to say goodbye in my own way," said Kayla.
Perkins is facing second degree murder charges.
News 4 reached out to Perkins' attorney today as well, but were told he was in court and not available.
Perkins has a preliminary hearing conference on Thursday.