A homicide investigation in a small Oklahoma community has left a family grieving the loss of a young mother and her unborn child. Authorities say a 28-year-old man is facing two first-degree murder charges after his pregnant girlfriend was found dead following a welfare check at a home in Heavener.
Austin Morrison was arrested on October 26 in connection with the deaths of 20-year-old Stephanie Strock and her unborn baby. Investigators say Morrison was with Strock earlier that evening and physically assaulted her before she was found dead.
The case has drawn additional attention after authorities revealed that Morrison was located walking near the neighborhood where the incident occurred.
According to investigators, the discovery was made after Heavener police received a request to check on someone at a residence in the 500 block of West Avenue D.
Police Discover a Homicide During Welfare Check
Officers arrived at the property on the evening of October 26 to conduct the welfare check. Instead of finding someone who needed assistance, they discovered Strock deceased outside the residence.
Investigators observed injuries that were consistent with homicide, prompting police to request assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
During the investigation, authorities also learned that Strock was pregnant when she died.
Evidence collected at the scene led investigators to believe Morrison had been with her earlier that evening and had physically assaulted her.
Authorities subsequently identified him as the primary suspect and located him walking nearby. He was taken into custody that same evening.
The circumstances surrounding the discovery quickly turned the case into a major investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies in southeastern Oklahoma.
Family Shares Disturbing Details About Her Final Hours
As investigators worked to establish what happened, additional information emerged from Strock’s family.
Her brother, John Woods, told local television reporters that he had spoken with his sister by phone on the night she died.
According to Woods, Strock was crying during the conversation and told him that Morrison had hit her and that she was bleeding from her mouth. He said he encouraged her to contact emergency services and get away from the situation.
Woods also recalled hearing Morrison enter the room during the call. He said he heard his sister being struck before the conversation ended, prompting him to contact police.
The account has added another heartbreaking dimension to the investigation, as relatives continue to process the events leading up to her death.
Strock’s adoptive mother, Rita Vincent, also described concerns about the relationship. She told reporters that there had been previous problems involving alleged domestic violence and that she had tried to persuade Strock to stay away from Morrison.
These are accounts shared by family members and have not all been independently established in court.
A Young Mother Remembered by Her Loved Ones
Beyond the criminal investigation, Strock’s family and friends are remembering her for the things she enjoyed and the relationships she built.
She was known for spending time outdoors, particularly fishing, and enjoyed creating artwork through Diamond Dotz projects.
Her obituary described her as someone whose love of outdoor activities reflected her lively personality. It also noted that she was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from Heavener High School in 2025.
Strock was also the mother of a young daughter from a previous relationship. Her family now faces the difficult task of helping the child grow up without her mother.
Reports from the investigation identified the unborn baby as Strock’s daughter, making the tragedy particularly devastating for those closest to her.
Friends have also spoken about remembering her as a young woman whose life and future were cut short.
What Investigators Have Established So Far
Authorities have confirmed that Morrison was booked into the LeFlore County Detention Center on two counts of first-degree murder.
The charges involve the deaths of Strock and her unborn child.
However, several important questions remain unanswered.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed the precise cause or method of death. The medical examiner’s office has been working to determine how Strock died.
Officials have also not announced a confirmed motive for the alleged attack.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with assistance from several local and state agencies, including the Heavener Police Department, LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office, LeFlore County District Attorney’s Office and Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
Court Proceedings and What Comes Next
Morrison remains in custody as the case moves toward its next court proceedings.
The latest reports indicate that he is being held without bond, with an initial court appearance scheduled for November 4.
Prosecutors will have to present evidence supporting the charges as the case moves through the legal system.
For now, investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Strock’s death and the events that took place during her final hours.
Morrison is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
A Wider Concern About Domestic Violence
The tragedy has also brought renewed attention to the dangers of domestic violence, particularly when warning signs are reported before a fatal incident.
Family members described concerns about Strock’s relationship and said they had tried to help her. Their accounts highlight how difficult it can be for loved ones to intervene when someone is experiencing abuse.
Domestic violence situations can involve threats, physical assaults, emotional pressure and repeated cycles of harmful behavior. Experts also warn that leaving an abusive relationship can be a particularly dangerous period, making access to support and safety planning important.
For anyone experiencing domestic violence in the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential assistance at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). People in immediate danger should contact 911.
As the investigation continues, Strock’s loved ones are left remembering a young mother whose life ended far too soon. Their focus now is on finding answers, seeking justice and making sure her daughter grows up knowing how much her mother was loved.
