by Delaware County, OK – A chilling case has unfolded involving a Missouri couple accused of torturing and killing a man in Delaware County, Oklahoma, before burning his remains to hide the crime. The incident reportedly stemmed from an alleged rape accusation, leading to a brutal sequence of events that has now resulted in first-degree murder charges.
A Gruesome Murder Ordered by Wife, Executed by Husband
According to an arrest affidavit filed recently, Penny Larson, 40, allegedly instructed her husband, James Larson, 41, to eliminate a man she claimed had raped her. The victim, Dustin Carver, was confronted at the couple’s trailer in 2014 in Delaware County. Penny Larson reportedly said to her husband, “I want him gone” and “I want him dealt with” before the violent act took place.
James Larson allegedly bragged to fellow inmates about the gruesome details of the killing, claiming he tortured Carver, slit his throat, and then burned the body in a pile of wood, leaving behind only bone fragments and teeth, according to police reports.
Eyewitness Account and Evidence Unearthed
A friend of the Larsons, who was staying with them at the time, overheard plans to confront Carver but did not anticipate the murder. This friend reportedly left the property around 4:30 a.m. with Carver still alive but returned three hours later to find James Larson smoking outside and Penny Larson cleaning large amounts of blood inside.
The friend was shown the victim’s body atop a woodpile, with a knife sticking out of Carver’s chest. Nearby, Carver’s personal belongings were burning in a barrel. The friend identified Carver by a distinctive tattoo on his forearm but was threatened by James Larson not to report the incident.
- Searches of the property uncovered many human bone fragments and teeth, including a clavicle bone of a male aged approximately 18-22 years.
- Chemical tests confirmed several blood locations inside the trailer.
- Due to the extensive damage from fire, the remains could not be definitively identified at the time.
Delayed Justice and New Evidence from Prison Conversations
Despite the initial evidence, no charges were filed immediately because the remains could not be positively identified. However, James Larson, currently serving a 14-year sentence in Missouri on unrelated theft and drug charges, allegedly revealed key details about the killing to his prison cellmate.
The inmate, who was previously engaged to Penny Larson, reported that James openly admitted to the murder, describing how he had “tortured the guy, slit his throat and put him in a burn pile.” This revelation prompted renewed investigation and the recent arrests.
“James Larson told his cellmate everything – how he got away with murder in Oklahoma by torturing and burning the victim,” officials said in the affidavit.
Current Status and Legal Proceedings
Since the confession came to light, authorities arrested Penny Larson in Missouri and charged her with first-degree murder. James Larson has been charged with murder while still in custody. Both were booked in Delaware County, Oklahoma, with Penny Larson held without bond.
This case shines a spotlight on how alleged crimes years earlier can be uncovered through unexpected channels, including inmate confessions, leading to justice even after long delays.
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What Happens Next?
With strong evidence and new testimony coming from James Larson’s prison conversations, prosecutors are moving forward with murder charges. The case will likely involve presenting forensic evidence of the burned remains alongside witness testimony in court.
- Investigators may continue efforts to scientifically identify the remains using advanced forensic techniques.
- Both defendants will face legal battles to determine their culpability and sentencing.
- The case underscores the importance of inmate informants in solving cold cases.
What do you think about this devastating case of alleged torture and murder? Have you followed similar true crime stories before? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
