Man facing two murder charges in killing of girlfriend and unborn child
By Brett Rains, Adam Roberts, DMM
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HEAVENER, Oklahoma (KHBS) — A man is facing two charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of his girlfriend and her unborn child, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Austin Morrison, 28, was arrested Monday night, accused of assaulting and killing Stephanie Strock, 20, and her unborn baby.
Strock was seven months pregnant and looking forward to having a baby girl, family members told 40/29 News.
Strock’s brother, John Woods, said he was on the phone with his sister Monday night when he heard her being hit.
“She called me, and she was crying, saying that he hit her and she’s bleeding from the mouth,” Woods said.
Woods said he urged her to call police. He said Morrison called her names and began hitting her before the call disconnected.
Woods called police. Officers found Strock dead outside a home on West Avenue D in Heavener. Investigators said she had been physically assaulted.
“I got told that he hit her with a rock. I’m not sure how many times, but that’s what killed her,” Woods said.
Rita Vincent, who said she raised Strock from the time she was a year old, said Strock and Morrison had lived with her. Vincent said there was a history of domestic violence, including the day before Strock was found dead.
Vincent said she made Morrison leave and tried to persuade Strock to stay.
“And he sat there and told her he was going to beat her to death, and nobody could stop him,” Vincent said.
Strock left with him, Vincent said.
“She loved him so much. She said if he can’t stay here, I’m not neither,” Vincent said.
Vincent said Morrison is her nephew.
“I hope he gets what he deserves,” she said.
Morrison was arrested Monday night and taken to the LeFlore County Detention Center. He is expected to appear in court by the end of this week or sometime next week.
Heavener police requested assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Funeral services for Strock are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Heavener, Oklahoma.
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