Longtime rancher slain in Cherokee County

KEYS, Okla. (AP) – Cherokee County authorities say a longtime rancher has been found shot to death at his home in Keys.

County Undersheriff J.C. Chennault told the Muskogee Phoenix (http://bit.ly/1OMQSa5 ) that the body of Charley Kirk was found Monday morning by a ranch employee. Chennault said it appears the shooting is the result of a burglary, but that it wasn’t clear what – if any – property is missing.

Chennault said the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been asked to assist in the investigation.

He said Kirk was in his 80s and owned CK Ranch.