Authorities Make An Arrest In Sallisaw Murder Case

SALLISAW, Okla. -- Authorities with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation arrested 41-year-old Leon Winston, of Sallisaw, on Thursday in connection with the slaying of 63-year-old Darla Caughman.

A home health care worker discovered Caughman's body in September, after she arrived at the home to assist with Caughman's autistic son.

Jessica Brown, public information officer for the OSBI, said investigators interviewed Winston on the same day Caughman's body was found.

"During the interview we noticed a cut on his hand and we asked for his DNA, he complied and gave us a sample as well as the clothing he was wearing that day," said Brown.

Brown said that DNA matched what was found at the crime scene. Winston now faces charges of first-degree murder.

Freddy Scoggins, Caughman's neighbor, said he and his wife can relax now that there's been an arrest in the case.

"I'm not tense anymore. I'm not looking over my shoulder every time I come out here to do something in the yard, wondering if this guy is lurking around that did this," said Scoggins.

Brown said Winston has a lengthy criminal background, which includes outstanding warrants in Oklahoma and North Carolina.

Brown said Winston was dating the home health care worker who assisted Caughman. That worker has not been accused of any wrongdoing.