HENRYETTA, Okla. — In Henryetta, Oklahoma, a somber memorial motorcycle ride was organized to commemorate the lives of five teenagers tragically killed by a convicted rapist last year. Those honored were Brittany Brewer, Ivy Webster, Tiffany Guess, Rylee Allen, and Michael Mayo, who lost their lives at the hands of Jesse McFadden, who also took the life of his wife, Holly, before ending his own. The community gathered at Nichols Park on Sunday to pay their respects to the victims.
Among the mourners was Janette, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her loved ones. “I cry every day. I wake up crying, I go to bed crying,” she shared, highlighting the enduring pain caused by the tragic events. The memory of the teens and Holly lives on in the hearts of their families and the community.
The families of the victims are adamant that such a senseless tragedy should never happen to another family. Janette Mayo, grandmother to three of the victims and mother to Holly, emphasized the irreplaceable void left by the loss of their lives and the need for justice. Nathan Brewer, Brittany’s father, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the devastating impact of the untimely deaths.
Notably, McFadden had been released from prison prematurely after serving only 17 years of a 20-year sentence, sparking outrage and prompting calls for stricter legislation. Nathan has been a vocal advocate for laws ensuring offenders found guilty of heinous crimes serve their full sentences without the possibility of parole. Although a bill proposing such measures passed in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, it ultimately faltered in the Senate, leaving families like Nathan’s with unresolved grievances.
Despite setbacks in legislative efforts, the families remain determined to raise awareness and advocate for preventative measures to safeguard communities from similar tragedies. The memorial ride serves as not only a tribute to the lives lost but also a reminder of the urgency to enact change. Looking ahead, Nathan and Janette hope to effect change at a national level to prevent others from enduring the same pain they have experienced.
As the memorial ride becomes an annual tradition in Henryetta, the community is committed to honoring the memories of Brittany, Ivy, Tiffany, Rylee, and Michael while advocating for justice and reform to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Through their resilience and advocacy, they seek to ensure that the lives lost are never forgotten and that meaningful change emerges from their shared tragedy.