OSBI taking over investigation of Carina Saunders' slaying

Luis Enrique Ruiz and Jimmy Lee Massey Jr. are facing first-degree murder charges in the October 2011 slaying of Saunders, 19, of Mustang, whose dismembered body was found in a duffel bag behind a Bethany grocery store.

Ruiz's attorney, Derek Chance, said his client is extremely pleased with the decision “to involve the OSBI” in the murder investigation.

“From day one we have had serious questions and concerns about the poor investigation,” Chance told The Oklahoman.

“We remain confident that Luis will be exonerated, and this late investigative effort supports our contention. Of equal concern is the fact that the actual killer is still at large.”

Bethany Police Chief Phil Cole, citing the need for a fresh perspective, asked the OSBI to take over the death investigation Monday afternoon.

‘Fresh set of eyes'

“After meeting with District Attorney (David) Prater, we both feel that the investigation would be best served by allowing an agency with greater resources and a ‘fresh set of eyes' to take over this complex case,” Cole wrote in an email.

Prater is not commenting about the case because it is an active investigation.

In July, Prater's office filed first-degree murder charges against Ruiz and Massey.