A long-running murder case connected to Oklahoma has taken a major turn, as a suspect has been arrested nearly a decade after the crime. The development comes after new evidence emerged following the discovery of the victim’s remains.
Suspect Arrested in Colorado After New Evidence
Charles Shamblin, 35, was arrested in Alamosa by the U.S. Marshals Service along with local officers from the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office and Police Department.
Authorities said Oklahoma investigators had received information that Shamblin was in the area, leading to a coordinated effort to locate and detain him.
Connection to 2016 Murder Case
Shamblin is linked to the 2016 disappearance and murder of Matthew Fagan, a 23-year-old hiker who went missing near Lake Tenkiller.
At the time, Shamblin and another co-defendant, Tyler Leverett, told investigators that a third man, Michael Snelling, was responsible for killing Fagan. They also claimed Snelling threatened them to help hide the body.
Initial Release Due to Lack of Evidence
In 2017, Shamblin was released because there was not enough evidence to proceed with the case. One major reason was that Fagan’s body had not yet been found.
Without physical evidence, authorities could not move forward with prosecution at that time.
Discovery of Remains Changes Case
The case took a significant turn when Fagan’s remains were finally discovered in November 2024. The identity was officially confirmed in December 2025.
This discovery allowed investigators to reopen the case and gather new evidence.
New Warrant and Arrest
Based on the new findings, a fresh arrest warrant for first-degree murder was issued on April 28, 2026.
On the same day, Oklahoma authorities contacted the U.S. Marshals in Colorado for assistance. Officers quickly located Shamblin at an apartment complex where he was believed to be staying.
He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Alamosa County Detention Center.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Charles Shamblin |
| Age | 35 |
| Victim | Matthew Fagan |
| Crime Year | 2016 |
| Body Found | November 2024 |
| Identified | December 2025 |
| Arrest Date | April 28, 2026 |
| Charge | First-degree murder |
This case shows how investigations can take years before reaching a breakthrough. The discovery of Matthew Fagan’s remains played a key role in reopening the case and leading to Charles Shamblin’s arrest.
While the legal process is still ongoing, this development brings hope for answers and justice after nearly a decade. It also highlights the importance of persistence in criminal investigations, even when cases go cold for years.
