Braeden James Collins was 18 and a recent Pryor High School graduate when he disappeared on July 4, 2021. He had been in a vehicle crash near South 490 Road and West 813 Road in Cherokee County and was reported missing after failing to meet someone at a local store. Collins enjoyed fishing, camping and baseball and had planned to become a Marine.

The next day Cherokee County deputies found a charred Chevrolet Tahoe on a suspicious trail; human remains inside were later identified by DNA as Braeden Collins. An autopsy found he had been shot in the back of the head. Investigation focused on Kiah John Pritchett, who had given Collins a ride after the crash and returned alone. Witnesses reported Pritchett admitted the gun went off by mistake and he had recently purchased and been in possession of firearms; the burned Tahoe was traced to him. The ATF joined the probe and Pritchett was arrested on October 9, 2022.

Later developments included a guilty plea to a federal involuntary manslaughter charge, sentencing and restitution, which Braeden’s family publicly disputed, citing the autopsy finding he was shot from behind. If anyone knew Braeden, his movements that day, or has information about the case, please share what is known.