The following is a compilation of the most viewed stories in 2009 on the Phoenix’ Web site, www.muskogeephoenix. com:
1. “Man dies after fight in bar”
Matthew David Jenkins, 40, died Dec. 16 after an altercation at Flea Flickers Sports Bar and Grill, 1910 N. York St.
2. “Wrecking crew tears down wrong building”
The city advertised for bids for removal of a building at 108-110 N. Second St. after the building partially collapsed Sept. 3. The wrecking company mistakenly began demolition of 112 N. Second St. on Oct. 6. By mid-afternoon, the building owner had worked out an agreement with the wrecking company.
3. “Family questions fatal shooting”
This story began Dec. 30, 2008, but continued to get attention on the Internet as the story developed. The story listed ran in the paper Jan. 1, 2009. Brian Wayne Tackett, 42, was killed by Muskogee Police after pulling a knife on officers when they tried to arrest him at the old Buckaroo Nursery property at 5229 W. Okmulgee Ave.
4. “Suspect: I just kind of blanked out”
During Enrique Pacheco’s murder trial in October, Pacheco, 20, testified he lost his head when he stabbed Shelleigh PoorBear, 18. PoorBear, the mother of Pacheco’s child, was found stabbed to death in a Muskogee motel in August 2007.
Pacheco was found guilty Oct. 29. Sentencing has been set for Jan. 13. The all-male jury recommended life in prison without parole.
5. “Woman admits to rape of boy”
Melissa Jo Wilson, formerly of Fort Gibson, entered a blind plea Oct. 27 to rape of a 14-year old boy.
A blind plea means prosecutors did not offer a plea and Wilson chose to leave her fate up to a judge rather than face a jury trial.
Wilson admitted to second-degree rape, lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a minor and obstructing an officer.
Wilson is to be sentenced at 9 a.m. Jan. 11 in Muskogee County District Court.
She was bound over in September for trial in a similar Cherokee County case involving the same minor.
6. “Discrimination alleged”
A bi-racial Muskogee couple sued a local real estate broker and her associate alleging racial discrimination over the sale of a house and piece of property.
Terry and Christy James said United Country Real Estate associate Katy Thomson accepted earnest money for a house and land, and later Thomson called the couple to tell them the property already had been sold. The couple visited another real estate agency, which checked and learned the property remained for sale. Christy James’ stepmother, a white citizen, purchased the property in her name on behalf of the couple.
7. “Man gets 20 years suspended for rape of child”
Vincent Martin LeCompte pleaded guilty March 12 to first-degree rape of a 6-year-old in 2006 and received a suspended sentence
As part of the plea agreement, LeCompte, 44, of Muskogee received a 20-year suspended sentence under supervision of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
The girl had to testify against LeCompte three times, including his preliminary hearing, so prosecutors didn’t want to traumatize her further.
8. “People ‘alarmed’ of allegations”
This story was a follow-up to the No. 6 story about a bi-racial couple who filed a federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in connection with the purchase of a home in Muskogee.
Terry James, who is black, and wife Christy James, who is white, were at the Old Agency Baptist Church at the invitation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
9. “Doctor sent home after arrest”
The day after being arrested at Muskogee Community Hospital, an anesthesiologist who showed up for work was told his privileges were suspended.
Dr. Brad Stahlheber, 34, of Tulsa was arrested and booked into jail in Tulsa County on complaints of possession of anabolic steroids and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Stahlheber’s arrest was part of an investigation involving anabolic steroids.
Stahlheber was not a hospital employee but had privileges at the hospital.
10. “Burned teen continues to heal”
Brady Etchison, 15, was severely burned April 8 when he was driving the family vehicle to a friend’s home and ran into an electric pole. This story from September followed Etchison’s recovery at Cincinnati Shriners Hospital.
