‘BIGFOOT was behind decision to strangle and drown fishing partner’ in a remote river, murder suspect says

A MAN claims Bigfoot forced him to allegedly kill his friend during what was supposed to be a normal fishing trip. Larry Sanders, 53, is accused of killing his noodling fishing partner Jimmy Knighten after allegedly confessing to a family member and then later to authorities. Sanders said he and Knighten were noodling by the […]

A MAN claims Bigfoot forced him to allegedly kill his friend during what was supposed to be a normal fishing trip.

Larry Sanders, 53, is accused of killing his noodling fishing partner Jimmy Knighten after allegedly confessing to a family member and then later to authorities.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

Larry Sanders, 53, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his fishing partner, Jimmy Knighten[/caption]

Sanders said he and Knighten were noodling by the South Canadian River on July 9.

A statement issued by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation revealed the two men got into a confrontation, resulting in Sanders strangling the other man.

Noodling is a fishing technique that’s popular in the southern United States by catching fish by sticking your hand in its mouth.

“He appeared to be under the influencer of something,” said Sheriff John Christian of the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office.

“His statement was that Mr Knighten had summoned ‘Bigfoot’ to come kill him; that’s why he had to kill Mr Knighten.”

Sanders was arrested on an outstanding warrant and booked into the Pontotoc County Jail, where he was charged with first-degree murder.

The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death while Sanders remains in custody.

According to Sheriff Christian, Sanders’ confession “makes it easier” but it had been difficult to find Knighten’s body after it floated on the river currents.

Authorities were able to locate his body approximately 24 hours after the alleged crime.

“You still have to prove all the elements of the crime, and what the suspect is telling you, you have to prove that that’s actually what happened,” said Christian.

He added that the local prosecutor may push for the death penalty if Sanders is found guilty.

ABC10

Sanders told police that he attacked Knighten after the other man allegedly ‘summoned’ Bigfoot to kill him[/caption]