Cassidy Ritchie: Family of Tulsa woman found dead warns accused husband that he 'messed with wrong family' as he's arrested

TULSA, OKLAHOMA: Cassidy Ritchie was first reported as missing by the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) on January 25, and her body was discovered on Sunday, January 28.

TPD officials stated that her body was located in the rear of her vehicle, concealed beneath a stack of clothing.

Yet, for Joey David, Ritchie's eldest son, and Cheryl Ritchie, her mother, the emotion of sadness intertwined with anger as they spoke to KJRH.

Cassidy Ritchie's husband arrested 

The vehicle containing Cassidy's body was discovered near the 'I Don't Care Bar & Grill,' approximately seven miles east of Catoosa. Detectives retrieved the vehicle for a comprehensive forensic examination in a secure environment.

Previously, authorities mentioned that detectives tried to obtain a waiver for the car from Chris Morland, Ritchie's husband of less than one month. However, he declined, instructing officials to 'get a warrant.'

According to KTUL, Morland has been arrested on warrants issued in Texas and has been brought into custody by Tulsa officials.

What did Cassidy Ritchie's family say? 

Joey David, Ritchie's eldest son, and Cheryl Ritchie, her mother, expressed that they were unaware of Morland's history of domestic violence, suggesting that Cassidy Ritchie may not have been aware of it either.

"(Morland) just said the right things at the wrong time (to gain Cassidy's trust)," David said. "And he just took advantage of her."

"She saw the good in everybody and she just, she didn't deserve this at all. No one does," Cheryl Ritchie said.

She added, "Our new family motto is, he messed with the wrong family. He messed with the wrong family." 

Furthermore, due to the marital status of the couple, detectives had to seek Morland's permission to search the vehicle. However, Morland declined the request, and as of January 29, he continues to refuse to answer any questions about Ritchie.

Consequently, despite having custody of the car, Lt Brandon Watkins mentioned that officers had to secure a search warrant before they could proceed with the search.

"It's a much more trusive(sic) search. We're looking for trace evidence, blood evidence. And what you don't want to do is contaminate the crime scene," Lt Watkins told 2 News.

Lt Watkins told 2 News on January 29 that he believes preliminary results from the medical examiner to state the cause of death within the next couple of days.

The Tulsa Police Department arrested Morland on January 29 on complaints of first-degree murder. However, charges are still pending.

Cassidy's brother even added, "She was so happy on her wedding day, I don't know if she was just too scared, too scared to say anything. (Morland) just was a whole different person after the marriage."

"Everybody really loved her. That's why everybody's trying so hard to find her," Cassidy's brother, Kyle Ritchie, said.