Human remains discovered in Love County, Oklahoma, earlier this year have been positively identified as those of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes, who had been missing for over a decade. The remains were found in February during a renewed search effort in the area between Oswalt Road, Pike Road, and Long Hollow Road, an area where Miller and Haynes were last seen alive in 2013.
Background of the Disappearance
Miller, 17, and Haynes, 21, vanished in July 2013 after the car they were passengers in crashed during a police chase in the woods. The two had been part of a car chase with law enforcement, and after the crash, they made multiple phone calls for help, reaching out to friends from the woods. Their last communication occurred around 9:30 a.m. the following morning.
Despite extensive searches over the years, their whereabouts remained unknown until this year when their remains were found. The renewed search efforts were carried out by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing and Murdered Unit, which confirmed the identity of the remains on Monday.
Confirmation of the Remains
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Missing and Murdered Unit, in collaboration with local authorities, confirmed that the remains belonged to Molly Miller and Colt Haynes. Miller, a Chickasaw citizen, had been missing for over 12 years. The confirmation is a significant step toward providing answers to the families who have lived with the uncertainty of their loved ones’ disappearance.
Micah Ware, Acting Unit Chief of the BIA MMU, expressed the impact of the confirmation, stating, “Today’s confirmation represents a meaningful step toward bringing long-awaited answers in the disappearance of Molly Miller. Our hearts remain with Molly’s family, and we hope this development provides even a small measure of closure and clarity.”
Ongoing Investigation
While the identification of the remains has provided closure on their whereabouts, authorities have not yet determined the cause of death. District Attorney Melissa Handke stated that her office would continue to pursue justice and investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths once the investigation is complete.
Over the past twelve years, law enforcement has worked relentlessly to provide answers and closure to these families. The diligent efforts of the BIA, FBI, OSBI, and Chickasaw Lighthorse Police, have brought us closer to understanding what happened to Molly Miller and Colt Haynes. On behalf of my office, I want to thank these officers for their commitment. Over the last several months, my office has been working in conjunction with both Chickasaw Lighthorse Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I have been in contact with the Attorney General’s Office and will be moving forward with this case. Once the investigation has been concluded and the final report submitted to my office, I will present this case to the Multi-County Grand Jury for formal charges. My prayers are with the families today as we seek justice for Colt and Molly.
— Melissa Handke
The case remains open, and law enforcement continues to seek information from the public. Anyone with details regarding the disappearance or the circumstances of Miller and Haynes’ deaths is encouraged to come forward.
How to Help with the Investigation
Authorities are requesting anyone with information regarding the case to contact Chickasaw Lighthorse Police at (866) 928-7384 or the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit anonymously at 1 (833) 560-2065. Tips can also be submitted confidentially online to the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police.
Summary Table
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Victims | Molly Miller (17) and Colt Haynes (21) |
| Date of Disappearance | July 2013 |
| Discovery of Remains | February 2024 |
| Location of Remains | Area between Oswalt Road, Pike Road, and Long Hollow Road, Love County |
| Investigating Agencies | Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, Chickasaw Lighthorse Police |
| Cause of Death | Under investigation |
| Contact for Tips | Chickasaw Lighthorse Police (866) 928-7384, BIA Missing and Murdered Unit (833) 560-2065, confidential online tips |
Seeking Justice and Closure
The identification of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes’ remains marks a tragic but important step in the long journey toward justice. The families of the two victims, who have lived with unanswered questions for over a decade, now await further developments in the investigation. With the ongoing support of law enforcement and the public, there is hope that justice will eventually be served.
