A Fort Gibson man has appeared in court for the first time, facing charges of murdering his wife. The Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Joey Whorton after the body of 47-year-old Julie Adreon was discovered in her backyard on July 18. Whorton was taken into custody the following day, but it wasn’t until Tuesday that he was officially charged in court.
Muskogee County Sheriff Andy Simmons revealed that Whorton was found in Pittsburg County, and investigators executed search warrants at the location to gather additional evidence. Whorton was subsequently arrested for murder and transported to the Muskogee County Jail.
According to Sheriff Simmons, deputies had responded to domestic calls at the residence where Julie and Whorton lived on multiple occasions in the past. Further investigation revealed that Julie had filed for an annulment in February 2021, just eight weeks after marrying Whorton in January. However, she later dismissed the legal action. Court records also showed that she filed a petition for a protective order in September 2021, which she dismissed the following month. Additionally, Julie had petitioned for a dissolution of marriage in the spring but changed her mind a week later.
Kylee Adreon, Julie’s daughter, shed light on her mother’s relationship with Whorton. Kylee explained that whenever they were separated, Julie would express remorse and a desire to reconcile with her family. However, she would eventually become lonely, and Whorton would manipulate his way back into her life. Kylee also mentioned that during the early stages of their relationship, she was not allowed to communicate with her mother. Julie had filed a protective order against Whorton in January, but she later requested its dismissal.
The Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office stated that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is currently processing the scene, and the cause of Julie’s death has not yet been determined. Julie had worked as an administrative assistant in the Office of Public Works for the City of Muskogee for 20 years. She leaves behind two adult children. Kylee hopes that her mother will be remembered for her loving nature.