Family of Sequoyah County double homicide victim speaks out

SEQUOYAH COUNTY, Okla. — We’re hearing from the family of the man killed in a double homicide a week ago inside a propane facility in Sequoyah County.

Taylor Sharp and Tara Barnett-Underwood were both killed last Tuesday in what investigators say was an execution style murder. The murders sparked a multi-state manhunt for Stacy Drake, who pleaded not guilty in court this week.

Taylor Sharp was almost always dressed in a pair of overalls, because his family says that’s what he called working clothes. He was a pretty simple man.

“He was the most country hick person you would have ever met. He was so goofy. The best dad. He always had those boys by his side,” said Alana Arntfield.

His three boys and step kids were his life. They were his sidekicks at whatever job needed to get done.

“They would go everywhere with him. If he was out mowing yards for people, they were with him. He took them to do all kinds of stuff. They were always together if he wasn’t at work usually,” said Alana.

He loved to fish and even took pride in teaching his children how to reel one in.

“Anytime they had time, they were out there at the water. Sometimes late at night. I’d call them and be like, 'where y’all at?' uhhh fishing,” said Alana.

Last Tuesday, Taylor and his coworker Tara Barnett-Underwood were killed by someone they’d never met. A complete stranger on the run from an accused murder in Alabama — and one in El Reno.

“Justice. We want to see justice for Tara and Taylor. And raise the boys and make sure they remember their dad as he was and not as someone who was killed,” said Alana.

Taylor was laid to rest on Tuesday. His family says their focus now is to keep his memory alive.

“I just want his memory to live on, in the boys. You know I want them to grow up and be just like their daddy,” said Alana.

Drake's next court date is Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. in Sequoyah County.

A GoFundMe has been started to help cover funeral expenses.