Representative Carl Newton

R

District 58

Hi, I'm Carl Newton and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 58th District.


representative

Leadership

Oversight Committee Chair

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Apr 27, 2026
Recent Posts

OSBI Cold Case Unit Honored in House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, on Monday recognized the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Cold Case Team for its work to help resolve and bring closure to 98 cases since its creation in November 2018. Recognition took place in the Oklahoma House of Representatives' Chambers during daily session.  Members of the Cold Case Team recognized included Agents Tammy Ferrari, Dale Fine, Josh Patzkowski, Jim Skelton and Francia Thompson, and Criminalists Wendy Duke and Lesley Perry. "This team consists of a small number of talented, dedicated and tenacious professionals that are resolute and persistent about solving these cases," Newton said. "This work not only brings resolution for the Oklahoma families impacted by unsolved murders or when a loved one goes missing. It improves public safety of all Oklahomans."  Newton shared that the team's purpose is to review, collaborate and investigate some of Oklahoma’s most complex unsolved cases.  Currently, there are approximately 446 cold case homicides on this team’s radar and 56 cases involving missing and unidentified individuals. Newton said that through the Legislature's appropriations to OSBI, scientific and technological advancements at the bureau's Forensic Science Center have been made possible.  "This has assisted in the crucial role the OSBI’s criminalistics team, who have also been steadfast collaborators in finding answers for Oklahoma families," Newton said. Recent Highlights (2025–Present) include:   February 2025: A DNA match using genetic genealogy led to progress in the investigation of the 1982 murder of Donna Newberry, demonstrating the continued effectiveness of modern forensic techniques in historic cases. March 4, 2025: Two individuals were arrested in connection with the 1997 murder of Gerthie Carolina, marking a significant step toward accountability in a decades-old investigation. March 2025: Remains of Richard Vaughn Pewo, who had been reported missing in 1996, were successfully identified. Earlier efforts to collect family DNA samples played a key role in confirming his identity. Nov. 15, 2025: A statewide outreach event for families of missing persons was hosted in Tulsa. Families met with law enforcement, provided DNA reference samples, and received assistance updating missing-person case information. February 2026: Unidentified human remains discovered in Coal County in 1983 were identified as Olen Rowe, who had been missing since 1979. This identification brought long-awaited closure to his family.  The motto of the Cold Case Team is “Never Forgotten,” and they pledge to never forget. "These cases matter, and this team will remain unwavering in finding answers for the citizens of Oklahoma," team members said. "No matter how long it has been or how long it takes, the victims of unsolved cases will not be forgotten."  

Apr 24, 2026
Recent Posts

Enid Area Lawmakers Comment on Tornado Damage

OKLAHOMA CITY – State lawmakers who represent the Enid area this morning issued the following statement after a powerful tornado struck Enid and Vance Air Force Base. Reports show at least 10 injured and homes destroyed in a neighborhood on the south side of Enid. Reps. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, and John Pfeiffer, R-Orlanda, all represent a portion of Enid or the surrounding area.  "We are praying for those affected and thankful there are no casualties, according to early reports," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "We know, however, that the loss of a home or damage to a business can be life-altering. We also know that Oklahomans will rise to help their neighbors and there will be support in the days, weeks and months ahead as recovery takes place. We're thankful to all of our courageous first responders and to city, county and state personnel who worked tirelessly overnight to account for everyone. We're grateful, as well, to our amazing meteorologists who issued early warnings and alerts and who stay on the air through these storms to keep Oklahomans safe and informed. Their actions likely saved countless lives."  The lawmakers said there are reports of damage to Vance Air Force Base, including to perimeter structures and downed electrical lines, which is causing a loss of water supply. OG&E crews worked after the storm to restore service. The Grey Ridge Estate, directly east of the base and across U.S. Highway 81 was largely destroyed. Local emergency medical personnel searched and recovered all residents, and injuries were not serious, according to reports. The hope is for residents to be allowed back into the area today to begin to recover personal property. The representatives also report that linemen were out as soon as possible after the tornado to begin to restore service and minimize additional loss. It is reported the governor will tour the damaged area this afternoon along with city and county officials.

Oct 1, 2025
Recent Posts

Speaker Hilbert and House Members Host Capitol to Community Event in Woodward

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and members of the Oklahoma House Republican Caucus continued their statewide Capitol to Community series this week with a two-day stop in Woodward. The event highlighted the region’s strengths in education, youth services, energy and natural resources while giving lawmakers the chance to engage directly with local leaders and residents. The tour began Sunday evening with a community reception at the Woodward County Event Center. On Monday, members spent a full day immersed in the area. Highlights included a visit to the Woodward TAP (Technical Applications Program) at Woodward Middle School, a stop at Western Plains Youth & Family Services to learn more about local efforts to support children and families and a tour of the High Plains Technology Center. The afternoon included a guided bus tour through Alabaster Caverns State Park, Boiling Springs State Park, and the Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Expansion Project, which gave legislators a firsthand look at the region’s natural resources and conservation efforts. “From career training in our schools to the stewardship of our natural resources, this community shows how local initiative and state partnership can come together to create real opportunities," said Speaker Hilbert. "Our Capitol to Community tour is about learning from local voices, and Woodward reminded us just how much Oklahoma’s strength begins at the community level." Representatives Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, and Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, who both represent the Woodward area, praised the event as an important opportunity to showcase northwest Oklahoma’s contributions to the state: “Northwest Oklahoma is proud of its people, its land, and its industries. This tour gave us the chance to highlight that on a larger stage. From education to energy to natural resources, Woodward plays a vital role in Oklahoma’s success. Having Speaker Hilbert and our colleagues here to see it firsthand is invaluable, and we are grateful for their commitment to listening and engaging directly with our communities.” The Capitol to Community series will continue with additional stops across Oklahoma throughout the interim including Ardmore, Lawton and Guthrie.