Support pours in after Okla. Keota FFA goat killings

In the early morning hours of Oct. 2, someone broke into the Keota FFA chapter in eastern Oklahoma, killing five show goats being raised by local FFA and 4-H members. 

The goats, which had been housed in pens inside the school’s greenhouse, were part of student-led livestock projects, a cornerstone of agricultural education in Keota.

According to updates from FOX23 and KNWA, law enforcement has completed its on-site investigation and confirmed the goats were not shot. The animals have been sent to the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Lab for necropsy, with results expected within two weeks.

Authorities confirmed that the deaths were not caused by another animal, and both the Keota Police Department and Haskell County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

For students, the loss is not only financial, but emotional. Each of the student’s livestock projects represented months of work, early mornings, and lessons in responsibility and animal care.

“This has been a devastating blow for them emotionally, but also financially,” the Keota FFA wrote in a statement shared on social media. “Police are investigating, but this still leaves students without the projects they’ve worked so hard for.”

The chapter set up a CashApp donation link to help replace the animals, and the outpouring of support has been swift and heartfelt.

Within hours of the post, hundreds of comments poured in from alumni, former showmen, parents, and agricultural supporters across Oklahoma and beyond.

“This is just awful, I can’t imagine what those kids are going through,” wrote Sierra Cantrell, a former goat show competitor.

Maggie Beckman, a Keota FFA alumna, shared, “As a former Keota FFA member and goat showman, I want to say I’m so sorry. This was a terrible thing that happened to some pretty amazing kids who I know put their hearts and souls into their projects. I hope whoever did this faces justice.”

Even local municipalities reached out to lend a hand. Kaylee Reed, commenting on behalf of the Town of Rock Island, said, “The Town of Rock Island would like to donate. We can’t use CashApp, but we’ll bring a check by — we just want to help.”

Offers of replacement goats, lease animals, and additional resources also came in. Sondra Hatcher, a breeder, commented, “If any kids need a goat to show, they can get a doe from me and bring her back after the season. On my lease program.”

Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to contact Keota Superintendent Candice Dominguez at (918) 966-3950 or Officer Kevin Nixon at the Keota Police Department. A cash reward is being offered for tips leading to an arrest.

In a recent statement, FFA advisors expressed gratitude for the community’s quick response. 

“We would like to extend a huge thank you for the overwhelming amount of support we’ve received. Not just from our local community, but across the entire state and beyond. Through monetary and physical animal donations, our students’ projects are being replaced so that they can continue with their show season.”

The advisors added that they are still coordinating with donors to arrange the pickup of new animals.

“As ag teachers, there aren’t always answers for how to help your students through something like this,” they said. “But times like this remind us why we’re in this profession. The kids are what make this more than just a job.”