Tishomingo Resident Sentenced For Murder In Indian Country

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cory Dean Boykin, age 35, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 262 months in prison for Murder in Indian Country, Second Degree.

The charges arose from investigations by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Department, the Tishomingo Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On November 21, 2020, Boykin beat and choked a female victim at a residence in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Upon arrival at the crime scene, law enforcement discovered the victim unconscious.  Emergency medical responders transported the victim to a local hospital where she died the following day. Boykin was later arrested and admitted to assaulting and strangling the victim.

On March 9, 2021, Boykin pleaded guilty to Murder in Indian Country, Second Degree.

“A senseless and brutal act of violence claimed the life of a vibrant young woman, and while the sentence imposed today represents justice under the law, the harm can never be undone,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray.  “I am grateful for the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors in this case to ensure the defendant will remain safely away from the public for many years to come.”

“The defendant’s callous and egregious acts warranted the lengthy prison term recommended by the United States and imposed by the Court,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “Although the sentence will never fully bring justice to the family, hopefully they can begin the healing process knowing the defendant is being held accountable for his crimes.”

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Johnston County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee.  Boykin will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Jason Poe represented the United States.