An Oklahoma man, Tevin Terrell Semien, and his girlfriend, Nicole Leigh Logsdon, were indicted for the murder of 68-year-old Karon “Dinkers” Conneywerdy Smith in May 2023. Semien admitted to law enforcement that he killed Smith with a brick, put her body in the trunk of her vehicle, and disposed of her remains in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Authorities found blood at Smith’s home, indicating a violent struggle, and her vehicle was missing. Semien and Logsdon were later caught by Texas law enforcement after leading them on a high-speed chase before crashing into a lake.
Smith, who was part of the Comanche Nation, was found dead in the wildlife refuge on May 17, 2023. The discovery of her body led to the investigation into her murder, with Semien eventually confessing to killing her. Logsdon also pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder, admitting to helping Semien evade arrest and prosecution. Semien pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm with a previous felony conviction. Both face significant prison time if convicted, with Semien facing a potential life sentence and Logsdon facing up to 15 years in prison.
The motive behind the murder appears to be related to a falling out between Smith and the couple. Smith’s status as a relative of Logsdon may have played a role in her girlfriend’s involvement in the crime. The violent nature of the murder, with Smith being killed with a brick and her body being disposed of in a wildlife refuge, indicates the heinous nature of the crime committed by Semien and Logsdon. The investigation revealed the extent of the violence, with evidence of a struggle found at Smith’s home and the attempt by the couple to evade capture after the murder.
The involvement of federal authorities in the case underscores the seriousness of the charges and the potential penalties faced by Semien and Logsdon. The cooperation of law enforcement across state lines, including Texas, in apprehending the suspects highlights the importance of interagency collaboration in solving crimes of this magnitude. The guilty pleas entered by Semien and Logsdon indicate their acknowledgment of their roles in the murder and their willingness to face the consequences of their actions. The potential sentences they face reflect the severity of their crimes and the impact of their actions on the victim’s family and the community.
The murder of Karon “Dinkers” Conneywerdy Smith shines a spotlight on the prevalence of domestic violence and the dangers posed by individuals willing to resort to extreme violence to settle disputes. The brutal manner in which Smith was killed and her body disposed of reveal the callousness of Semien and Logsdon’s actions. The sentencing of the suspects will bring a sense of justice to Smith’s family and friends, while also serving as a reminder of the need for vigilance against violence in all forms. The tragic outcome of Smith’s murder serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of allowing disputes to escalate to such deadly levels.
