The Stacey Shoemaker Murder: A Look Back At A Wagoner County Tragedy
Sometimes, what appears peaceful on the surface can hide a deep sorrow underneath. For many who knew her, Stacey Shoemaker, a woman from Wagoner County, Oklahoma, seemed to have everything anyone could wish for. She was, in a way, living a life that looked rather full and happy to folks around her. This story, you know, it just goes to show that things are not always what they appear to be, even in a quiet place.
Stacey had, it seemed, built a good life right there in her hometown. She had married her high school sweetheart, a man named Dene, and together, they were raising a little girl. They shared a daughter, which, you know, often brings a lot of happiness to a family. It was a family unit that many might have admired, really, as they went about their days in Wagoner.
She had spent her whole life in Wagoner County, which is that, a place where people often know each other quite well. Stacey also had a job at the local middle school, a role that put her in touch with the community. Life, from what anyone could see, was just rather joyful for this family, and so, the events that unfolded later were truly shocking to many.
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Table of Contents
- Stacey Shoemaker: A Life in Wagoner
- The Shocking Discovery
- The Investigation Begins
- A Confession and a Plea
- Justice for Stacey
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Stacey Shoemaker: A Life in Wagoner
Stacey Renetta Shoemaker, who was 26 years old at the time, grew up in Wagoner. She was, you know, a part of that community from the very start. Her roots were deeply planted there, and she was a familiar face to many. She had, in a way, built her entire world within the county she called home.
It was there, in Wagoner, that she met her high school sweetheart, Dene Shoemaker. Their connection blossomed, and they eventually got married. This kind of story, where high school sweethearts tie the knot, is something many people find rather sweet. They went on to have a little girl together, which, you know, added another layer to their family life. Their daughter was just 7 years old when a very sad event took place, making the situation even more heartbreaking for everyone involved.
Personal Details & Biography
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Stacey Renetta Shoemaker |
Age at Death | 26 years old |
Hometown | Wagoner, Oklahoma |
Family | Married to high school sweetheart, Dene Shoemaker; shared a daughter (7 years old at the time of her death) |
Occupation | Worked at the local middle school |
Date of Death | April 30, 2006 |
Name Meaning | Derived from Eustace ("steadfast, fruitful") and Anastasia ("resurrection"). Often means "resurrection, fruitful." |
The name Stacey, it's interesting, has a few meanings, you know. It comes from names like Eustace, which means something like “steadfast” or “fruitful.” Then there's Anastasia, which brings the idea of “resurrection.” So, the name Stacey itself often carries meanings like “resurrection” or “fruitful,” which is kind of poignant given her story. It's a name that has roots in both Greek and English, and it’s been used for both girls and, sometimes, boys, too it's almost. This bit of information about her name, you know, adds a small, different perspective to thinking about her life.
The Shocking Discovery
On April 30, 2006, the peaceful existence that many believed Stacey Shoemaker had was shattered. Stacey was found dead at her home. This, you know, was a moment that sent shockwaves through the community. Her residence was located in the 1000 block of Southwest 13th Street, a familiar part of Wagoner. It was a place she called home, and where her life was tragically cut short.
The discovery of Stacey’s body was made by her own daughter, who was, as mentioned, just 7 years old at the time. Imagine, if you will, a little girl finding her mother in such a terrible state. This detail, it really adds a layer of immense sadness to the whole situation. The Wagoner police, you know, quickly became involved, saying that someone had broken into the home of Stacey. This initial report, it painted a picture of a burglary gone wrong, a very scary thought for anyone in the area.
The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, along with others, began looking into what happened. They were, in a way, investigating a murder in the heartland, as it was described. The news spread, and people in Wagoner County were, quite naturally, very concerned. A crime reporter, Lori Fullbright from News on 6, shared details about Stacey, highlighting her life in Wagoner and her family ties. The community was left wondering, you know, what truly happened to Stacey Shoemaker that day.
The Investigation Begins
Right from the start, the investigation into Stacey Shoemaker's death was a very serious matter. Authorities were looking into what had happened to her. Dene Shoemaker, Stacey's husband, had at first told a story about what he thought took place. He claimed, you know, that the house had been burglarized. His account was that an intruder had murdered Stacey shortly after he left for work. This was, basically, the initial explanation given to the police.
The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, as I was saying, really got to work on this case. They were determined to figure out the truth behind the shooting death of Stacey Shoemaker. The initial claims of a break-in and an unknown killer were, of course, a big part of their early inquiries. They had to follow every lead, every bit of information, to understand the circumstances of her death. This kind of investigation, it takes a lot of careful effort and time.
As the investigation moved along, the focus, it seems, began to shift. The story Dene Shoemaker had told, about the intruder, was, you know, something the police had to look at very closely. They were trying to piece together all the facts. This process can be quite involved, with officers gathering evidence and talking to people who might know something. It's a rather thorough process, trying to understand what happened in a situation like this.
A Confession and a Plea
Eventually, the investigation took a significant turn, a very important one. Colbert Dene Shoemaker Jr., who was 29 at the time, confessed to the shooting death of his wife, Stacey. This confession, you know, changed the entire direction of the case. It meant that the initial story about a burglar was, in fact, not what truly happened. He admitted, basically, to shooting Stacey Shoemaker, his own wife.
First-degree murder charges were filed against Dene Shoemaker in Wagoner County District Court. This was, as you can imagine, a very serious charge. Prosecutors in Wagoner County even stated that they would ask for the death penalty against him, which, you know, shows just how gravely they viewed the situation. The legal process was, in a way, just beginning for Dene Shoemaker, and it was going to be a very difficult time for everyone involved.
Dene Shoemaker’s murder trial was, as a matter of fact, supposed to start rather soon after this. However, on Friday, May 23, he made a choice that changed things again. Instead of going to trial, he chose to plead guilty to a reduced charge. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. This plea, you know, happened on May 23, 2006, when he was 31 years old. It was a significant step in the legal proceedings, altering the path of the case completely. He had, basically, admitted to the shooting on April 30, 2006, at their home.
Justice for Stacey
With Dene Shoemaker’s guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter, a very difficult chapter for Stacey's family could, hopefully, begin to close. This outcome, you know, brought a certain kind of finality to the legal process. The family had been through so much, waiting for answers and for some form of justice. It was, in a way, a moment where they could perhaps start to heal, knowing the person responsible had admitted their actions.
The legal system, as you know, works to bring about resolutions in such serious cases. While the initial charge was first-degree murder, the plea to first-degree manslaughter meant a different legal path. This decision, to accept a plea bargain, is often made for various reasons in the court system. It allowed for a resolution without a lengthy and perhaps even more painful trial for the family. It was, basically, an end to the direct court proceedings related to the shooting.
The Wagoner County District Attorney, Richard Gray, had charged Colbert Dean Shoemaker with first-degree murder in Stacey’s death. But the plea changed that. The community, like your, had watched this case unfold, and the news of the plea brought a sense of closure for many who followed the story. Even today, years later, the memory of Stacey Shoemaker and the events of April 2006 remain a somber part of Wagoner County’s history. For more information on criminal justice proceedings, you might visit resources like the Office of Justice Programs.
Learning about cases like this, you know, can be very impactful. You can learn more about on our site, and we also have other stories like this on . These kinds of events, they really highlight the importance of community and how people cope with such profound losses. It's a story that, in a way, reminds us of the fragility of life and the unexpected turns it can take.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened to Stacey Shoemaker?
Stacey Shoemaker was shot dead in her home in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, on April 30, 2006. Her husband, Dene Shoemaker, initially claimed an intruder was responsible, but he later confessed to the shooting.
Who was Dene Shoemaker?
Dene Shoemaker was Stacey Shoemaker's husband and high school sweetheart. He was accused of fatally shooting Stacey and later pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in her death.
What was the outcome of the Stacey Shoemaker murder case?
Dene Shoemaker pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of first-degree manslaughter on May 23, 2006, instead of going to trial for first-degree murder. This plea, you know, brought the legal proceedings to a close.
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