Charles Edward Jordan Convicted of Colby Sheppard Murder
Enid Man Found Guilty of Murder After Victim’s Body Discovered in Storm Cellar
An Enid man has been convicted of first-degree murder in the death of a 27-year-old whose remains were discovered in a storm cellar months after he disappeared.
A Garfield County jury found Charles Edward Jordan, 57, guilty on Friday, September 18, and recommended life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Colby Sheppard. The verdict followed a four-day trial before District Judge Paul Woodward.
The Charles Edward Jordan murder conviction comes nearly three years after Sheppard disappeared in December 2023. Investigators say the killing was connected to suspicions about another missing Enid resident, Kendra Batello, who vanished in 2022.
Charles Edward Jordan Murder Conviction Follows Four-Day Trial
Jurors heard testimony about the events surrounding Sheppard’s death, the investigation that followed and the discovery of his remains in August 2024.
The case was prosecuted by the Garfield County District Attorney’s Office, following an investigation led by the Enid Police Department with assistance from state investigators and forensic personnel.
The Garfield County District Attorney’s announcement of the verdict confirms that the jury recommended life without parole following Jordan’s first-degree murder conviction.
The verdict was delivered on September 18, 2026, before District Judge Paul Woodward.
The jury’s recommendation is not yet Jordan’s formal sentence. Judge Woodward is scheduled to sentence Jordan on October 21, 2026.
Jordan remains in custody without bond pending sentencing.
The conviction marks a major development in a case that began with Sheppard’s disappearance in December 2023 and continued for months before investigators located his remains.
Colby Sheppard’s Body Was Found in Enid Storm Cellar
Colby Sheppard, 27, disappeared in December 2023. His disappearance remained unresolved for months before an anonymous tip directed investigators to a storm cellar behind a vacant residence in Enid.
In August 2024, investigators discovered his remains inside the cellar near 12th Street and Ash Avenue.
The discovery led to a homicide investigation involving multiple suspects.
Investigators alleged Sheppard had been lured to a residence by people who believed he knew what had happened to Kendra Batello, his former girlfriend.
Batello disappeared in July 2022 and remains missing.
Authorities have said investigators found no evidence connecting Sheppard to Batello’s disappearance, despite suspicions held by those involved in the fatal assault.
According to the prosecution’s account, the group attempted to force information from Sheppard about Batello’s whereabouts. Sheppard was beaten, his throat was cut and his body was concealed in the storm cellar.
The investigation was led by the Enid Police Department, which worked to identify those involved after Sheppard’s remains were recovered.
The murder conviction resolves Jordan’s guilt in Sheppard’s death, but it does not resolve Kendra Batello’s disappearance.
Her missing-person case remains separate from the prosecution of those accused of killing Sheppard.
Two Co-Defendants Pleaded Guilty, Fourth Murder Trial Set for October
Three other people were charged in connection with Sheppard’s death: Devin Harris, Heaven Jordan and Victor Battelo.
Harris and Heaven Jordan previously pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for their involvement.
Heaven Jordan is Charles Jordan’s daughter. Investigators accused her of helping lure Sheppard to the residence, while Harris was accused of standing guard during the fatal assault.
Victor Battelo’s trial is scheduled to begin October 26, 2026, five days after Charles Jordan’s formal sentencing.
Battelo has not been convicted in Sheppard’s death and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The cases against the four defendants have proceeded separately, with different legal outcomes and court dates.
Court proceedings can be followed through the Oklahoma State Courts Network docket search as the remaining hearings take place.
For Sheppard’s family, Friday’s verdict marks a major development in a case that began with his disappearance in December 2023, continued with the discovery of his remains eight months later and has now reached a first-degree murder conviction.
The next step is Jordan’s October 21 sentencing, when the court will formally address the jury’s recommendation of life without the possibility of parole.
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