Muskogee Municipal Judge Arrested Last Week Found Dead

Thursday, April 20th 2017, 6:55 am

By: News On 6

A Muskogee municipal judge has been found dead in his home less than a week after being arrested -- but never charged -- on a domestic abuse complaint.

Muskogee police issued a statement saying Judge Bart Fite was found dead about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday by officers investigating a reported shooting at the home.

“Tonight at around 1030 pm, the Muskogee Police Department was dispatched to the residence of local attorney, Bart Fite on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Mr. Fite deceased from what appears to be a self- inflicted gun shot wound. As the investigation is ongoing, no further details will be released at this time.”

Fite was arrested Friday, April 14th, after his wife said she asked police to remove him from their home.

Both Fite and his wife, denied that he hit or injured her.

The wife said she wanted him out of the home because he threatened to divorce her and have her removed from the home.

4/15/2017 Related Story: Muskogee Judge Arrested For Domestic Abuse

Last week, the police department said the case was referred to the District Attorney's Office. And officials said Judge Fite had taken a voluntary leave of absence from the bench until the matter is resolved.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.