Oklahoma is officially a Top 10 state for the senseless killing of critically endangered species.
Late last week, the federal government announced they had sentenced four Oklahoma good old boys to heavy fines and other penalties for mindlessly killing four whooping cranes who made the mistake of migrating through Oklahoma.
Here are details via Fox 23:
Four Oklahoma men were sentenced to pay restitution totaling $68,000 for unlawfully killing four endangered whooping cranes protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.
Joseph Roman, 43, and Justin Wine, 40, of Altus, Chanod Campbell, 32, of Gould, and Brain Lee Gollihare, Jr., 35, of Hollis, were charged earlier this year by information with taking a migratory bird for which there is no season.
According to information presented in court, on or about November 5, 2021, the four defendants were hunting at Tom Steed Reservoir in southwest Oklahoma when they killed four whooping cranes and attempted to hide the birds before leaving the scene.
Yep, not only did they shoot the squabble of birds, but they then tried to hide the bodies! At least eat the damn things after you kill them you dodos!
See what I did there?
Here’s more on the fines and penalties:
All four defendants pleaded guilty and, at sentencing hearings this week a judge ordered each defendant to pay $17,000 in restitution to the International Crane Foundation and pay a $750 fine. The defendants were also each ordered to forfeit their shotguns and lose their hunting privileges in all 50 states for the next five years.
Geeze. That’s a pretty light sentence for killing a rare and endangered species.
To make matters worse, the Government didn’t even share photos or mugshots of the guys so they could receive proper social media shaming!
As a result, I thought it would be fun to do some social media digging and track down more info about the guys.
Sure, this may backfire and score them a lifetime supply of free Jimmy John’s and an all-inclusive hunting trip in 2028 with Governor Stitt, but in memory of the deceased birds, it’s something we have to do.
Meet the Oklahoma men who shall forever and always will be known as the Whooping Crane Killer Quartet:
Brian Lee Gollihare, Jr. of Hollis
This guy is the owner of a coffee shop in Hollis, Oklahoma, which scores him immediate credibility with the Ryan Walters family. He also apparently owns, breeds, and sells baby roosters, which I’m sure is not in any way connected or affiliated with the Oklahoma Game Fowl industry.
Chanod Campbell, 32, of Gould
Chanod doesn’t have a visible social media presence, but his photo is listed on his employer’s website. He’s apparently an “equipment finance specialist,” so you’d think he would have the connections to quickly acquire the heavy equipment required to properly dispose of whooping crane bodies and/or take them to the butchery for processing.
Justin Wine, 40, of Altus
As part of the Whooping Bird Killer Quartet’s punishment, they’re not allowed to hunt in any state for the next 5 years. That probably explains why Justin is now selling his duck-hunting equipment on Facebook.
Joseph Roman, 43, of Altus
Update: I removed the pic of Joe being honored by the City of Altus and replaced it with this one of him sporting his Blue Line American flag hat. Maybe he thought those whooping cranes were ANTIFA!
The only pic I could find of Joseph Roman was taken when he was being honored by the City of Altus for his service in the Iraq War. I respect and admire his bravery and sacrifice for our country, so I feel a bit guilty for sharing this photo here, but… not as much as I would if I shot and killed an endangered species and then tried to hide the body.
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Anyway, let this post – along with the big fines and not being allowed to own shotguns or (legally) hunt for five years – be a fair warning to all future Whooping Cranes assassins to resist the urge to kill the birds for no reason and let them pass through Oklahoma unharmed on their migratory journeys. It doesn’t seem like a lot to ask, but it apparently is.
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.
