The ex-wife of an aspiring Oklahoma lawmaker has refuted that her husband died by suicide after a medical examiner said he shot himself in the head.
Barry Christian, 54, of Sayre, a candidate for District 38, was found dead inside his pickup truck inside the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area on April 30.
He was reported missing the day before after failing to show up to a scheduled meeting.
A medical examiner has now ruled the Republican’s death a suicide by a gunshot wound to the head.
However, Christian’s ex-wife, Farrah, disputed this account, saying the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI) ‘botched’ the case.
‘Barry was right-handed. He “allegedly” shot himself with his left hand,’ she wrote. ‘His truck also had several bullet holes on the outside of it. They think he shot his truck before turning the gun on himself.’
She accused the organization of not ‘testing his right hand or sleeve for gunshot residue’ and questioned why the man she was married to for nearly 30 years would bother shooting his truck in the first place.
‘The OSBI even TOLD US they know it was staged,’ she claimed. ‘Let’s face it. Oklahoma politics and law enforcement are as crooked as a $3 bill. Money talks. They’ve obviously been paid off.
Barry Christian, 54, of Sayre, a candidate for District 38, was found dead inside his pickup truck inside the Sandy Sanders Wildlife Management Area on April 30
The medical examiner has ruled his death a suicide, but Christian’s ex-wife, Farrah, disputes this, saying the investigation was ‘botched’
‘Time to call Dateline. Our kids and grandkids deserve better… I’m extremely angry.’
When contacted, the OSBI told the Daily Mail it does not have any further information at this time.
‘With the MEs [medical examiner’s] report complete, we’ll present our investigation to the DA’s Office for review,’ spokesperson Hunter McKee told the Daily Mail.
Christian’s pickup truck was seen smashed into a ditch-like area near one of his campaign signs, KOCO 5 reported.
A hunter had reported finding the crashed vehicle overlooking Fish Creek.
His family remembered him as a fun-loving guy who loved to go on an adventure with his kids.
‘He was all about fun,’ Farrah told KOCO 5. ‘He wanted to have fun with his kids.
‘He had an RV at one point, and he would take the kids on RV trips and go four-wheeling, ride motorcycles. It was all about adventure for him, and, you know, he made so many wonderful memories with the kids.’
Christian’s pickup truck was seen smashed into a ditch-like area near one of his campaign signs
His family remembered him as a fun-loving guy who loved to go on an adventure with his kids
Christian enjoyed taking his RV out on adventures with his children
His primary opponents also mourned his death.
Joe Buchanan told the outlet: ‘Carol and I are devastated to hear about Barry Christian’s passing. We are keeping his family and friends in our prayers, and hope our community can come together after this horrible tragedy.’
Rick Vernon said: ‘I am heartbroken by the tragic passing of Barry Christian. Barry loved Oklahoma and was willing to step forward in service to our state and that deserves respect, regardless of politics. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.’
The Daily Mail has contacted the medical examiner and Farrah for comment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.
