MUSKOGEE, Okla. — A Monday morning welfare check uncovered the death of Muskogee County’s District Attorney. Larry Edwards served the state for decades in various positions.
Edwards spent most of his life in the courtroom from prosecutor to private attorney to district attorney. He tried more than 65 murder cases and did more than 170 jury trials.
Larry loved the law.
“We’re just grieving right now because he was such a good boss and such a good DA,” said Mark Collier.
Mark Collier is the first assistant district attorney in Muskogee County. He talked about his boss and longtime friend.
“It’s difficult for him to be gone,” said Collier.
He said Edwards normally showed up to work around 6:45am. When they didn’t hear from him a colleague went to his home. With the car in the driveway, they knocked on the front door. When he didn’t answer, they called authorities for a welfare check. He was found unresponsive around 8am.
“Well, it was shocking,” said Collier.
Collier worked with Edwards for decades across northeast Oklahoma, and Edwards brought him on as his number 2 in Muskogee.
Collier closed the DA’s office on May 12, saying he wanted to give the office time to process their grief.
“Everybody had tears in their eyes this morning,” said Collier. “It’s an awful thing. I know that all of the people in this office really felt like he was a great DA, and he was a very good man to work for.”
The memories of Edwards aren’t just circling the office, but the state.
Senator Avery Frix from Muskogee said:
“I’m incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Larry Edwards. Larry was deeply committed to justice and the well-being of our community, and his legacy of service will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time. He will be truly missed.”
Collier told 2 News how he’d like his longtime colleague to be remembered.
“In a day and age where people are critical of their politicians, this was a man who loved his family and made decisions based on right and wrong,” said Collier.
Edwards’ death is not believed to be suspicious. The Medical Examiner will make the final determination of cause of death.
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