Spencer, OK – A Spencer father has confessed to killing his wife, Shawntae Brown, in front of their three children over a two-day period. Joshua Brown used multiple weapons, including a belt, a shoe, a flagpole, and a handgun in the attack.
On Monday, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after accepting a plea deal. The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office reported that Joshua Brown’s children were consulted before the deal was offered.
Shawntae Brown’s body was discovered in their home on September 30, 2020. The victim was 34 years old at the time of her death.
A potential cause affidavit indicated that her body bore extensive bruising and wounds indicative of severe violence. Local law enforcement described the scene as gruesome and stated that it was evident a violent crime occurred in the home.
Emergency personnel responded to a 911 call around 1:56 a.m. that day. Upon their arrival, they found Joshua Brown and the three children inside the house along with Shawntae Brown’s lifeless body.
Joshua Brown admitted during questioning that he “went too far” while arguing with his wife. He reportedly began punching and strangling her while the children witnessed the attack.
The couple’s 14-year-old son told investigators he saw his father beat his mother with various objects. He stated that Joshua Brown forced him and his siblings to clean up blood and told them not to disclose the incident to anyone.
A significant amount of blood was found throughout the residence, along with damage to the walls. A handgun recovered at the scene had a shattered front sight, appearing to have been used in the beating.
Joshua Brown has been charged with murder and child abuse. He was held without bond prior to accepting the plea agreement. Under the terms of his arrangement, he cannot appeal his life sentences.