OSBI ARRESTS SUSPECT IN HARPER COUNTY SUSPICIOUS DEATH INVESTIGATION 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HARPER COUNTY, Oklahoma (June 7, 2022) – Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) agents arrest Charles Vernon Thex II, 40, on a felony warrant for Murder in the Second Degree and Driving a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol after an OSBI and Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) investigation. He was arrested in connection with the death of Donald Lovell, 45, in 2021.
The investigation began at the request of the Harper County Sheriff’s Office on July 8, 2021. Shortly before midnight on July 7, 2021, the sheriff’s office received a 9-1-1 call reporting that Lovell was in the roadway of Jane Jayroe Blvd., in Laverne. It appeared Lovell had been hit by a vehicle. Deputies learned that there had been an altercation earlier in the day that involved family members of the two men, who were brothers-in-law. OHP worked the traffic collision and OSBI agents investigated events that transpired prior to the traffic accident.
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Lovell died as a result of injuries sustained as a pedestrian hit by a vehicle.
Thex was arrested yesterday in Laverne and transported to the Harper County Jail.
*** A booking photo of Thex is attached. ***
Address/Location
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
6600 Harvey Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 405-879-2591
