Close-up of a man's face.
Share this @internewscast.com

A MURDER suspect in a 14-year-old cold case shot himself in the head during a live video call with investigators.

The startling event occurred when Oklahoma City police attempted to interrogate him once more concerning the 2010 murder of a mother who was discovered beaten and hidden in a closet.

Close-up of a man's face.
Michael Wayne Thomas, a suspect in a 2010 cold case shot himself during a Zoom interview with Oklahoma City policeCredit: Oklahoma City Police Department
Police line do not cross tape at night.
Thomas had long been tied to the victim’s husband through gambling (stock image)Credit: Getty
Photo of Julie Mitchell.
34-year-old Julie Mitchell was found dead inside her Oklahoma City home in 2010Credit: Oklahoma City Police Department

Michael Wayne Thomas, 54, had long been a person of interest in the death of 34-year-old Julie Mitchell.

The mom-of-four was found dead inside her Oklahoma City home with her one-year-old daughter sitting beside her body.

About $30,000 was missing from a safe in the master bedroom closet where her body was discovered.

Her husband, Teddy Mitchell, was out of town on a flight to California at the time.

Thomas was closely tied to Mitchell through high-stakes poker games and gambling debts.

Police and the FBI had interviewed Thomas multiple times in the past, but he always denied involvement.

His checkbook was found in the Mitchell home, and he had helped insure the family’s cars and properties.

He also gave Mitchell partial ownership of his insurance business to help pay off large gambling debts.

On Saturday, cops tried to question Thomas again, this time via a virtual call with his attorney present.

Authorities said Thomas first agreed to meet in person, then changed his mind and requested a Zoom call instead.

Eerie new video shows ‘killer’ dad Travis Decker as cops fear ‘expert’ soldier won’t be caught for MONTHS after murders

“As shocking and horrific as you can imagine,” his attorney Ed Blau told The Oklahoman after witnessing the suicide.

The call began at 10 am and lasted roughly 40 minutes, during which police said Thomas dominated the conversation.

“He didn’t give me an opportunity to ask him any questions,” Detective Bryn Carter told CBS affiliate KWTV-9.

“He controlled the conversation from start to finish,” Carter said.

Julie Mitchell Murder: What to Know

  • Julie Mitchell, 34, was found beaten to death in her Oklahoma City home in 2010.
  • Her 1-year-old daughter was found sitting next to her body.
  • Around $30,000 was missing from a safe in the closet.
  • Her husband, Teddy Mitchell, was on a flight to California at the time.
  • The case exposed his illegal gambling ring – he later served 27 months in prison.
  • Michael Thomas, an insurance agent and gambling associate of Teddy, became a key person of interest.
  • His checkbook was found in the house.
  • He denied any role in the killing but stayed on police radar.
  • On May 31, 2025, Thomas shot himself during a Zoom interview with police.
  • He died near a Kansas casino.
  • The case remains open.

“I’m just worried about my daughter’s safety. I really hope you solve the case,” Thomas said, just before pulling out a gun.

He then shot himself on camera as stunned detectives and his lawyer watched helplessly.

“The phone landed right by his head so we got to hear him die, hear the death rattle,” Blau said.

Thomas’ body was found outside the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas.

His lawyer said he didn’t even know Thomas was in Kansas until after his death.

Julie’s death had exposed her husband’s illegal sports betting and underground poker operation.

Teddy was later sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for money laundering and forfeited $1 million in assets.

He has never been charged in his wife’s murder and maintains he had no role in her death.

“We’ve always said this was an old case. Never a cold case” said Carter.

“It speaks volumes that maybe he couldn’t answer those questions.”

The Oklahoma City Police Department confirmed to The U.S. Sun that Michael Thomas was a person of interest in the case.

They said the interview is not considered an open record and will not be released.

There are currently no further updates in the investigation.

Police say Thomas remains a suspect despite his death.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Pennsylvania man who showed father's severed head on YouTube said he wanted to block him from being next Trump

Pennsylvania Man Displayed Father’s Severed Head on YouTube to Prevent His Political Rise

The Pennsylvania man accused of murdering his father and then uploading a…
Military amphibious vehicles in the water.

Observe as a Massive Fleet of New Chinese ‘Tank Boats’ Takes to the Water Amid Taiwan’s Largest War Drills Yet

DRAMATIC footage captures a fleet of Chinese tank boats charging through the…
Jake Paul's message to Ben Askren after his former opponent's health scare

Jake Paul Sends Message to Ben Askren Following Health Scare

Jake Paul is praising former opponent Ben Askren as “one of the…
Nigel Farage on a boat, pointing towards a distant ship.

Farage Criticizes Macron’s Migrant Agreement, Claims It Pulls the UK Back Towards the EU

NIGEL Farage last night blasted Emmanuel Macron for blaming the small boats…
'High Potential' star Javicia Leslie teases a villain twist you won't see coming: "You'll never guess who it was." 

‘High Potential’ Star Javicia Leslie Hints at Unexpected Villain Plot Twist: “You’ll Be Surprised Who It Is.”

LOS ANGELES — The filming of Season 2 of “High Potential” on…
Reckoning: Lisa Murkowski Censured Again by Alaska Republicans

Lisa Murkowski’s New Book Faces a Storm of Criticism in Reviews

This is too funny.  I’ve critiqued Princess Lisa Murkowski plenty, as have…
Yikes: DNC Chair Ken Martin Makes Things Even Worse for Dems When Asked About 'Globalize the Intifada'

DNC Leader Ken Martin Puts Dems in Hot Water with Remarks on ‘Globalize the Intifada’

Those questions about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani might have…
Man wrestling a crocodile.

Outrage as Influencer Colton Macaulay Recklessly Confronts Dangerous Crocodile in Viral Stunt

THIS is the shocking moment influencer Colton Macaulay wrestles a deadly croc,…
Utah judge schedules execution by firing squad for a man with dementia

Utah Judge Orders Firing Squad Execution for Inmate with Dementia

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah judge on Wednesday set an execution…
Trump and George Soros have this in common: Scott Bessent

Scott Bessent Highlights a Commonality Between Trump and George Soros

President Trump and left-wing billionaire George Soros have more similarities than previously…
Slain prep school lacrosse player's father 'astonished' after murder suspect acquitted in stabbing case

Father of Slain Prep School Lacrosse Player ‘Shocked’ by Acquittal of Suspect in Stabbing Case

The father of a murdered Fairfield, Connecticut, prep school lacrosse player expressed…
Karen Read asks Massachusetts court to throw out wrongful death lawsuit after murder acquittal

Karen Read Requests Massachusetts Court to Dismiss Wrongful Death Lawsuit Following Her Murder Acquittal

Karen Read, who was exonerated from murder charges last month concerning the…