Autopsy Reveals Drugs in System of Jay Homicide Victim

Michael Bearpaw had multiple legal and illegal substances in his body when he was fatally shot in the head last December.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:20am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the forensic evidence in a homicide investigation.The autopsy report on the homicide victim reveals a troubling toxicology profile, raising new questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.Jay Today

An autopsy report released on Thursday revealed that Michael Bearpaw, a 38-year-old man who was fatally shot in the head and left at a Dollar General store in Eucha, Oklahoma in December 2025, had several different drugs - both legal and illegal - in his system at the time of his death. The medical examiner ruled Bearpaw's death a homicide, though two suspects were initially taken into custody by the FBI before being released.

Why it matters

The autopsy findings provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding Bearpaw's death, which remains an open homicide investigation. The presence of multiple drugs in his system could offer clues about the events leading up to the shooting and the potential motives or factors involved.

The details

According to the nine-page autopsy report, Bearpaw had methamphetamine, amphetamine, clonazepam (Klonopin), 7-aminoclonazepam, midazolam (Versed), and alprazolam (Xanax) in his system when he was found with a gunshot wound to the head at the Dollar General store. The medical examiner noted that the wound was 'free of soot, powder stippling, and muzzle injury,' indicating the gun was likely fired from at least 30 inches away. The autopsy also revealed scrapes, surface wounds, and bruises on Bearpaw's body.

  • Bearpaw was fatally shot on December 21, 2025.
  • Law enforcement responded to the Dollar General store around 11:15 AM on December 21, 2025.
  • Bearpaw was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to a hospital in Tulsa on December 22, 2025.

The players

Michael (Mikey) Bearpaw

A 38-year-old man from Jay, Oklahoma who was the victim of a fatal shooting.

Delaware County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the scene where Bearpaw was found with a gunshot wound.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that initially took two suspects into custody related to Bearpaw's death, before later releasing them.

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What’s next

The investigation into Bearpaw's homicide remains ongoing, as authorities continue to search for suspects and determine a motive for the shooting.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex nature of homicide investigations, where toxicology reports and other forensic evidence can provide important clues, but may also raise additional questions about the circumstances surrounding a victim's death.