Who stabbed this rancher, then put a sheet over his body?

Earl Ray Williams, 44, lived a quiet life in Hughes County, Oklahoma, as a rancher. 

On the Friday morning of July 9, 2004, the temperature was in the mid-80s. A woman was out for a walk around 10:00am when she discovered a body under a sheet in a park. She thought the individual might have sustained a gunshot or knife wound. When detectives arrived on the scene, they immediately began canvasing the area.

The victim, Earl Ray Williams, lived near the scene where his body was discovered. 

During the initial investigation, officers believe a struggle had ensued with someone at Earl’s house, and he died from injuries suffered in the struggle. 

Reporters note that blood was found inside the home, on the front porch, and on the grass where Williams was found. His death was ruled a homicide. 

Over the years, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has not received many tips, so in 2007, they pledged to pay $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Earl’s death. 

Anyone with information should contact the OSBI at (800) 522-8017 or the Hughes County Sheriff's Department at (405) 379-2203.