In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a double homicide occurred involving Chantel Dean Mitchell, her niece Na'Veha Alexander, and a 12-year-old girl Brinae Alexander who survived. The suspect, Howard Peeples Jr., Chantel's boyfriend with a history of domestic violence, allegedly shot Chantel and Na'Veha. The case also connects to a cold case of Samantha Puckett, a missing woman found deceased in a wooded area. The investigation revealed a history of domestic abuse, protective orders, and a violent relationship cycle. Howard Peeples was arrested after a police lineup and is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The surviving child witnessed the shooting and helped identify the suspect.
Country: United States
State/Province: Oklahoma, United States
City/Region: Tulsa
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Live-in relationship
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Incident Date: None
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How the relationship or connection began.
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A&E · Original language: English
The First 48: Out of the Darkness (S21, E57) | Full Episode
Domestic Violence
The case involves a violent domestic relationship where the suspect, Howard Peeples Jr., had a history of abuse and protective orders filed against him by the victim Chantel Dean Mitchell. The violence escalated to fatal shootings of Chantel and her niece Na'Veha Alexander. The suspect attempted to eliminate witnesses, but a surviving child provided critical testimony leading to his arrest. The pattern reflects a tragic cycle of domestic violence culminating in homicide.
The investigation included forensic anthropology to identify remains found in a wooded area, linking to a cold case of Samantha Puckett. The surviving child witness provided a detailed account and identified the suspect in a lineup. Police used surveillance footage and tips to locate and arrest Howard Peeples Jr. The suspect requested a lawyer and did not provide motive during interrogation. Protective orders and prior domestic violence complaints were documented. The case remains under investigation with counseling provided to surviving children.
Initial uncertainty about the identity of remains found in the woods and the timeline of the murders. The suspect's motive remains unclear as he did not disclose reasons during interrogation. The connection between the cold case and current murders was established through forensic identification.
The case began with discovery of human remains in a wooded area, later identified as Samantha Puckett, a missing woman with a history of domestic abuse. Separately, a double homicide occurred in a Tulsa home where Chantel Dean Mitchell and her niece Na'Veha Alexander were shot by Howard Peeples Jr., Chantel's boyfriend with a violent history. A 12-year-old survivor witnessed the shooting and identified the suspect. Police arrested Peeples after surveillance and a tip led to his location. The investigation revealed a cycle of domestic violence, protective orders, and custody issues culminating in the murders.
High risk due to prior domestic violence history, protective orders, presence of firearms, and escalation to lethal violence. The suspect was armed and dangerous at large before arrest.
Domestic violence cases with prior protective orders and history of abuse can escalate to lethal violence. Survivor testimony is critical for suspect identification. Forensic anthropology can link cold cases to new evidence. Early intervention and support for victims may prevent escalation. The impact on surviving children is profound and requires ongoing support.
Prior domestic violence complaints, protective orders, and ongoing arguments between Chantel and Howard Peeples Jr. were early signals of escalating risk.
Survivor testimony, domestic violence history, protective orders, and forensic evidence from the crime scene and remains were key clues.
Forensic anthropology, dental and radiology comparisons, shell casings, survivor eyewitness identification, and surveillance footage were strongest evidence types.
Brinae Alexander, the 12-year-old survivor, provided detailed eyewitness testimony describing the argument, shooting, and suspect's actions. Family members and police officers also provided statements. Not reported any other eyewitnesses.
Follow-up reports confirmed the identity of remains as Samantha Puckett, linking a cold case to the current investigation. The suspect was arrested and charged, clarifying the case status.
Exact motive for the murders remains unclear as the suspect did not disclose reasons. The full timeline of events leading to the murders is partially uncertain.