Oklahoma Man Kills Friend, Blames Bigfoot Plot
An Oklahoma man who believed his fishing partner planned to feed him to Bigfoot has been convicted of murder. This bizarre incident, involving mythical beliefs and a fatal misunderstanding, reveals a disturbing blend of paranoia and tragedy. The conviction has brought an unsettling case to a close, but questions remain about the role of delusion, substance abuse, and Bigfoot in this shocking crime.
The Unraveling of a Fishing Trip
Larry Doil Sanders and Jimmy Knighten were fishing together at the South Canadian River in Oklahoma in July 2022 when an argument erupted that turned deadly. Sanders believed that Knighten was trying to sacrifice him to Bigfoot after allegedly seeing three Sasquatch-like figures near the river. Sanders' fear escalated into violence, and he strangled Knighten during the altercation.
Delusion Fueled by Substance Abuse
Sanders' actions that day were largely influenced by methamphetamine-induced psychosis. A forensic psychiatrist testified during the trial that Sanders believed he was defending himself from an attempt by Knighten to kill him and use his body as a sacrifice to Bigfoot. Sanders reportedly kept Knighten in a chokehold until he turned blue and died. Following this, he claimed to have "raised his hands in victory" towards the supposed Sasquatch tribe he believed was watching, as reported by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Courtroom Battle: Self-Defense and Mental Health Claims
During the trial, Sanders waived his right to a jury and opted for a bench trial instead. He was found guilty of first-degree murder by Judge Steve Kessinger on April 17, 2024. Initially, Sanders' defense team suggested an insanity plea, but it was withdrawn after assessments revealed Sanders understood the difference between right and wrong at the time of the incident. His attorney argued that Sanders was acting in self-defense, a claim that did not convince the court. The prosecution argued that Sanders acted with malice aforethought, which was a critical element in securing a first-degree murder conviction under Oklahoma law.
Facing the Consequences
In June 2024, Sanders was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Jimmy Knighten, remembered by friends and family as a lover of the outdoors and a generous soul, lost his life due to his friend's spiraling paranoia and belief in an imaginary threat. The tragic nature of this case highlights the dangerous combination of substance abuse and delusional thinking.
References: Okla. Fisherman Who Thought Friend Was Trying to Feed Him to Bigfoot Convicted of Murder | Oklahoma fisherman found guilty of murdering pal he thought planned to feed him to Bigfoot
