CARTER COUNTY, Oklahoma – On September 29, a Pontotoc County judge denied Karl Fontenot’s motion to dismiss the long‑standing murder case involving the 1984 killing of Donna Denice Haraway. The decision moves the case toward a third trial scheduled for February 16, 2027, at the Pontotoc County Courthouse.
Background of the case
Fontenot was twice convicted of Haraway’s murder in Ada, Oklahoma. His life sentence was overturned in 2019, and he has remained free for the past seven years while the state prepares for a new trial.
Judge’s ruling
Judge Carson Brooks ruled that the delays in the proceedings were reasonable. He noted that many setbacks were caused by neutral factors, including a 17‑month appeal to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals and the June recusal of District Judge Mike Hogan, who was originally slated to preside over the trial.
Defense arguments
Fontenot’s attorneys argued that the defendant has been denied a speedy trial, a right guaranteed by the Constitution. They also requested state funding for expert witnesses needed for the upcoming retrial and sought to have the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office removed from the case.
State response and next steps
The court scheduled a hearing on December 4 to consider the motion to disqualify the Attorney General’s Office. In addition, the defense raised the issue of funding for expert testimony, which the court is reviewing ex parte.
Reactions from advocacy groups
Andrea Miller, director of the Oklahoma Innocence Project, expressed disappointment with the denial but affirmed respect for the court’s decision. “It’s a frustrating process, but we’ll get through it and we look forward to Karl finally being able to clear his name in February of 2027,” Miller said.
What lies ahead
With the judge’s order in place, Fontenot will return to the Pontotoc County Courthouse on February 16 for the third trial. The case remains a focal point for criminal‑justice advocates in Oklahoma, who continue to monitor the proceedings closely.
Local residents and legal observers will be watching the trial’s progress, as it highlights broader concerns about the timeliness of justice and the resources required for complex murder prosecutions.
Original reporting: KXII News 12 (Gray) — read the source article.
