A second-degree murder charge was filed Thursday against an Oklahoma City man who prosecutors allege was under the influence of drugs when he struck and killed a Yukon businessman in November 2019. Biffle had a previous driving under the influence conviction in Oklahoma County in November 2012, court records show.
Donald Garrett Biffle, 26, was under the influence of methamphetamine and/or amphetamines while driving a tractor-trailer that was on Banner Road, crossing State Highway 66, when he struck Ray Davis, who was on a motorcycle on Nov. 24, the charge filed in Canadian County District Court alleges.
Davis, 73, was a Yukon retail carpet store owner and U.S. Navy veteran.
Since the fatal crash, changes have been made to the Banner Road/SH-66 intersection. The intersection is now a four-way stop with flashing lights in all directions. Large advance warning signs and rumble strips also have been installed.
Biffle had originally been charged with negligent homicide, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison.
Second-degree murder is punishable by 10 years to life in prison. The defendant faces up to two more years in jail and/or fines totaling $2,000 on drug possession charges.
Ray Davis’ daughter, Candy (Davis) Schwarz, is pleased with the Canadian County District Attorney’s decision to file the felony charges against Biffle.
“I’m extremely thankful to anyone and everyone who played a part in pursuing justice for my dad,” Schwarz said Friday. “Thank you to OHP (Oklahoma Highway Patrol) trooper Wallace and Canadian County Assistant District Attorney Eric Epplin for taking all my phone calls, meetings and doing their best to keep me calm while they collected and reviewed evidence.
“More than anything, I want to thank those who stopped and did their best to comfort my dad during his final minutes on this Earth. I’m eternally grateful to them knowing my dad didn’t die alone.”
Schwarz said she looks forward to the day she will finally see Donald Biffle face to face.
“Mr. Biffle’s illegal and careless actions killed my dad. As I’ve said before, I will speak for my dad and that includes to his killer.”
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, working with Canadian County Commissioners, is considering a permanent safety upgrade at the SH-66/Banner Road intersection.
Top options are to install a roundabout or new signal lights.
The intersection has been the site of several dozen serious accidents, including several fatalities, over the past 25 years.
