HASKELL COUNTY, Okla. — The Haskell County District Attorney is pursuing the death penalty against Billy Mitchell in connection with a 2025 double murder case.
Prosecutors filed a Bill of Particulars in March 2026, formally notifying the court and Mitchell that they intend to seek capital punishment (Haskell County Court Records, 2026).
The filings detail several aggravating circumstances that the prosecution says justify the death penalty.
Aggravating Circumstances in Case
Court documents list four aggravating factors:
- Mitchell created a great risk of death to more than one person.
- The murders were especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.
- One of the murders was committed to avoid or prevent arrest or prosecution.
- Mitchell is a continuing threat of violence to the community.
Case Status: Competency Evaluation Pending
New court documents filed May 26, 2026, indicate the case has been stayed while a competency evaluation is conducted. This evaluation determines whether Mitchell is mentally capable of understanding court proceedings and assisting in his own defense.
Mitchell remains in the custody of the Haskell County Sheriff’s Office while the evaluation proceeds.
Investigation Overview
The investigation began in April 2025 after deputies responded to a homicide in Stigler, Oklahoma. Authorities identified Billy Mitchell and Jack Swanda as suspects in the deaths of 56-year-old Tina Mitchell and 75-year-old Shirley Fisher.
- Investigators reported that Mitchell allegedly shot and stabbed Tina Mitchell, and strangled Shirley Fisher, his biological mother.
- Jack Swanda was found at the scene with injuries, while Mitchell allegedly fled before being arrested (Stigler Police Department, 2026).
Co-Defendant Jack Swanda
Court records indicate that the death penalty is not being pursued against co-defendant Jack Swanda. Swanda is scheduled to return to court on September 21, 2026 to continue proceedings related to the case.
Summary of Key Case Details
| Defendant | Age | Charge | Current Status | Next Court Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billy Mitchell | N/A | Double Murder; Death Penalty Case | In custody; pending competency eval | TBD |
| Jack Swanda | N/A | Double Murder | In custody; not facing death penalty | Sept. 21, 2026 |
The Haskell County double murder case illustrates the severity of violent crimes and the legal complexities involved in pursuing capital punishment. With the case on hold pending a competency determination, authorities are ensuring that the trial proceeds fairly while evaluating Mitchell’s mental fitness.
This case also highlights the judicial process for co-defendants, as Swanda faces continued proceedings without the death penalty. Legal observers will closely watch the outcomes as the competency evaluation concludes and court dates are set.
