Cold Case Files: Authorities at a dead end in 1981 killing of 54-year-old Harold James Boudrie in Mayes County

On November 26, 1981, a grim discovery was made in Mayes County when the body of 54-year-old Harold James Boudrie was found floating in a river, approximately seven miles southeast of Pryor.

The victim had been shot in the head, and his identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis. Decades later, this chilling case remains unsolved, leaving investigators and the community searching for answers.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) continues to seek leads in this cold case, hoping to uncover the truth behind Boudrie’s death. Despite the passage of time, advancements in forensic technology and renewed public interest offer hope that justice may still be served.

The OSBI’s Cold Case Unit, dedicated to resolving cases like Boudrie’s, emphasizes the importance of community tips in cracking these mysteries. “We never give up – no matter how long it takes,” says OSBI Agent Robert Williams.

Little is known publicly about the circumstances leading to Boudrie’s death. Who was he with in his final moments? What events led to such a violent end? The OSBI is urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Even a seemingly insignificant detail could be the key to solving this case.

If you have any information about the murder of Harold James Boudrie, please contact the OSBI Cold Case Unit at cold.case@osbi.ok.gov or call 1-800-522-8017. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and your information could help bring closure to a case that has haunted Oklahoma for over four decades.

As the OSBI continues its mission to speak for those who cannot, the story of Harold James Boudrie serves as a reminder that no case is ever truly forgotten. Somewhere, someone holds the piece of the puzzle that could finally bring justice to this unsolved tragedy.