FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 21, 2026 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office announced today that it is seeking the death penalty against Anthony Gonzalez, 24, for the heinous murder of Jaedynn Anthony, 18. 

Anthony was working at a 7-11 located at Wilshire and Council on October 18, 2024. At 2:01 a.m., Gonzalez walked into the store and appeared to be making a purchase. 

Surveillance video showed Jaedynn opened the cash register drawer and handed Gonzalez money from the drawer. After he had the money in hand, Gonzalez stabbed Jaedynn one time and left the store. When police arrived at 2:45 a.m., they found Jaedynn dead. Anthony left the store with less than $40. 

“Our office treats the decision to seek the death penalty with the utmost seriousness,” said Vicki Zemp Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney. “It is never made lightly and never made in haste. This determination is based on a careful review of the facts, the law, and extensive discussion with experienced prosecutors in my office. Based on that process and the evidence in this case, we believe seeking the death penalty is appropriate.”

The state filed the Bill of Particulars this morning citing the following aggravating circumstances:

• The murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel• The murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest of prosecution
• The existence of a probability that the defendant would commit criminal acts of violence that would constitute a continuing threat to society

Today, Gonzalez had a preliminary hearing on charges of Murder in the First Degree and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon. After hearing testimony from witnesses and reviewing exhibits, the Court bound Gonzalez over to stand trial. His next court date will be April 1, 2026, for formal arraignment.

Gonzalez remains in custody on a $10 million bond.

Criminal charges are based on probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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