By Carolyn Cole/Staff Writer

State law enforcement officials doubled the reward offered for information regarding the slaying of an El Reno man almost two months ago.

James Shaw, 73, of 500 Willow Creek, was found with stab wounds inside his home May 21. El Reno Police Capt. Ken Brown said police have no suspects identified in the case.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is offering $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Robbery is believed to be the motive in the crime, Brown said. Shaw had run errands that afternoon before returning home.

“He had been to the bank and got some money out,” Brown said. OSBI reports at least $100 was taken from the home.

Shaw’s wife found him lying on the living room floor at about 4 p.m. May 21. Brown said the man was bleeding, with wounds made by a “bladed weapon.” Police have not released a description of Shaw’s injuries, the type of weapon used or if there was a struggle in the home.

Police are still searching for two men in connection with the case. One is described as an American Indian male, 150 pounds and 5 feet 11 inches tall with black collar-length hair parted in the center and dark eyes. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with a logo on its front and blue jeans. The second man is an American Indian or Hispanic male, 170 pounds and 5 feet 7 inches tall. He is believed to have black, straight collar-length hair and was wearing a dark T-shirt and blue jeans.

Edmond police are investigating the stabbing of a woman June 5, and while the cases have similarities, Brown said it’s unknown if they are related.

Edmond resident Shirley Shell, 67, was found dead in her home by her daughter at about 4 a.m. June 5. She was home with her 95-year-old mother while her husband was out of town. Police have said she called her husband late at night, and he became worried when she didn’t answer when he called back. So he called their daughter and asked her to check in on her mother.

Glynda Chu, Edmond Police public information officer, said about $100 in change was missing from Shell’s home, but the motive is unknown. No suspects have been identified in the Edmond case.
“We have nothing,” she said. “It’s really hard. We have a lot of leads, people calling the hot line.”

OSBI and private donors have offered a $40,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the Edmond case.

Both police officials said their detectives are still looking for leads and encouraged anyone with information to call law enforcement.

“I do think it will be solved eventually … We are not going to give up on it,” Chu said.

Anyone with information can call El Reno police at (405) 262-6941 or the OSBI at (405) 848-6724.

Shaw was a retired communications arts professor who taught at Redlands Community College for 27 years. He was described by friends as a loving and supportive father, grandfather and husband and an active volunteer at the Park View Church of Christ.

This article was updated on July 18, 2007, to reflect the fact that El Reno police were still seeking two men in connection to the case.