A man in McCurtain County has been jailed after being accused of fatally shooting his cousin during a family gathering in Valliant.
Carl Miller Jr., 47, was booked into the McCurtain County Jail on April 14. He is facing charges of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction.
Shooting Reported at Family Gathering
According to an affidavit, law enforcement responded to a reported shooting at a home on Clear Creek Road during a family gathering.
When officers arrived, they found 60-year-old Vernell Neal suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. He was airlifted to a regional medical facility but later died from his injuries.
Before being transported, Neal reportedly told emergency responders, “I pointed a gun at my cousin,” when asked what happened.
Dispute Escalated Into Violence
Investigators say Miller told police that the incident began as a fight between him and Neal.
According to Miller’s account:
- The argument escalated, prompting Neal to leave the home to get a gun
- Neal later returned and fired a pistol into the ground
- A family member asked Neal to leave the property
Miller said Neal then drove to a nearby intersection and waited there.
Final Confrontation in the Roadway
According to the affidavit, the situation escalated again when Miller attempted to leave.
Miller told police that:
- Neal blocked his vehicle at the intersection
- Neal exited his vehicle holding a pistol and pointed it at him
Miller then returned to the house, retrieved a shotgun from his mother’s bedroom, and went back to his vehicle.
He stated that during the final confrontation, he fired the shotgun at Neal while Neal was pointing a gun at him in the roadway.
Charges and Custody Status
Miller admitted to police that he is a convicted felon, which led to the additional charge of firearm possession after a felony conviction.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Carl Miller Jr. |
| Victim | Vernell Neal |
| Location | Valliant, McCurtain County |
| Incident | Family gathering shooting |
| Charges | First-degree murder, firearm possession (felon) |
| Custody | McCurtain County Jail |
| Bond | $1,000,000 |
Miller remains in custody with bond set at $1 million. The fatal shooting, which began as a family dispute, has now turned into a serious criminal case involving conflicting accounts and claims of self-defense. Investigators will continue reviewing evidence and witness statements to determine the full sequence of events.
The case highlights how quickly confrontations can escalate, especially when firearms are involved, and will now move forward through the legal process in McCurtain County.
