OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — A deadly house fire that claimed the life of 45-year-old Kellie Slaughter last Thursday has been reclassified as a homicide investigation, with authorities now confirming that the victim was killed before the blaze began. What initially appeared to be a tragic accident has taken a sinister turn as the Oklahoma City Police Department delves into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The fire broke out shortly before 7:40 a.m. on July 24, 2025, at a single-story home near Southwest 76th Street and Youngs Boulevard in southwest Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to a check-smoke call, observing smoke emanating from the residence. Firefighters extinguished the flames, believed to have originated in the garage, and discovered Kellie Slaughter inside the home. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Monday, July 28, 2025, police identified the victim as Kellie Slaughter and revealed that her injuries were consistent with homicide, indicating she was deceased prior to the fire. This revelation shifted the investigation’s focus to uncovering the events leading to her death. No arrests have been made, and the police have not publicly named any suspects, emphasizing that the investigation remains in its early stages.
Court documents have shed light on a turbulent backdrop to the tragedy. On July 17, 2025, Kellie Slaughter was granted an emergency protective order against her husband, followed by a filing for divorce on July 22, just two days before the fire. The protective order cited allegations of threats, physical harm, and property damage by her husband. In response, her husband filed a protective order against Kellie, claiming she had threatened him with a gun and attempted to provoke violence. These mutual filings highlight a deeply contentious relationship in the days leading up to the incident. However, the husband has not been charged or officially accused of any crime related to Kellie’s death.
Neighbors reported a quiet neighborhood rocked by the sudden tragedy. Kara Purbis, a nearby resident, expressed shock, noting that the area is typically peaceful. Other neighbors, speaking anonymously, mentioned an increased police presence at the Slaughter residence in recent weeks, with authorities responding to multiple domestic-related calls since March 2025. On the morning of the fire, neighbor Shatara Thomas attempted to intervene, ringing the doorbell after hearing commotion but receiving no response. She witnessed the garage erupt in flames, which rapidly spread to engulf the entire house.
Kellie Slaughter, remembered by her family as “Auntie Kellie,” was a beloved figure known for her warmth and community involvement. A graduate of Wewoka High School and Oklahoma State University, she worked for 15 years at the Oklahoma Safety Council, where colleagues described her as a valued teammate and friend. Her niece, Jerika Hendrickson, spoke of the profound loss, saying, “It’s been five days, but it feels like a lifetime.” Kellie was also involved in coordinating Hip Hop for Homeless, reflecting her commitment to serving others. “She was everybody’s everything,” Hendrickson said, “someone we all relied on and depended on for anything.”
The Oklahoma City Police Department is actively pursuing leads and has urged the public to provide any relevant information. The homicide tip line at 405-297-1200 is open for tips that could help clarify the events leading to Kellie Slaughter’s death. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with grief and unanswered questions, hoping for justice and closure for a woman who touched so many lives.
