OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
6/30/2025
The Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office announced today that two arrests have been made in a missing person case that originated in 2012. Barbara Durant was reported missing in September 2012 to Deputy Tommy Lyons. Deputies Tommy Lyons, Wesley Robertson, and Randy Hass launched the initial investigation and were assisted by several OSBI Agents from the Southeast Regional Office. Numerous interviews were conducted, search warrants were obtained, as deputies and agents continued the investigation. Authorities got a significant break in the case in February when two hunters were checking their traps along a creek about three miles east of Hartshorne in Latimer County. The hunters located a blue tarp in shallow water. The tarp was pulled back and revealed a human skull. OSBI Agents and the Oklahoma Medical Examiner were notified to collect the evidence. The skeletal remains were positively identified as those of Barbara Durant by the Oklahoma Medical Examiner. Pittsburg County Investigator Michael Glasco, Cold Case Investigator George Scott and OSBI Agent Christian Goode revisited this case after the discovery of the body. After several more interviews were conducted, District Attorney Chuck Sullivan has filed first degree murder charges on Mary Brochu and B.J. Thomason for the death of Barbara Durant. Mary Brochu was arrested in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana on October 30, 2024, and transported back to Pittsburg County. BJ Thomason was incarcerated with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections on other charges at the time of the filing of the arrest warrant. BJ Thomason has discharged from DOC and is currently incarcerated at the Pittsburg County Criminal Justice Center awaiting trial for the death of Barbara Durant. These officers and Agents have put an enormous amount of time and resources into this case over the past several years. Their efforts are much appreciated both agencies and the family of Barbara Durant. This office will continue to follow up on any new information we receive to help bring closure to those affected by violent crimes.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Frankie McClendon