Keith Barton Cathey's real estate nightmare transformed into a criminal case that has stunned Oklahoma courts. The Broken Arrow man now faces two counts of soliciting murder in the first degree after allegedly attempting to hire a hitman to kill the couple who successfully sued him over an undisclosed bat infestation.
The charges stem from a 2016 lawsuit filed by Mike and Sheryl Fritts, who purchased what they believed was their "dream home" from Cathey in 2015. Their American dream quickly became a living nightmare when they discovered hundreds of bats living within the walls of their new property.
The Bat Infestation Discovery That Started It All
The Fritts family moved into their newly purchased home with high expectations, only to encounter what initially appeared to be a water leak affecting four bedrooms. Within 24 hours of occupying the property, their concerns escalated dramatically as they uncovered the true extent of the problem.
What the couple initially mistook for bedbugs turned out to be bat bugs—a clear indicator of a much larger issue lurking within their walls. The discovery led to the shocking revelation that hundreds of bats had established residence throughout the home's structure, creating a health hazard that would cost more to remediate than the original purchase price.
The home's insulation and drywall were completely saturated with bat guano, requiring extensive renovation work. The Fritts were forced to replace exterior brickwork and strip the entire second floor down to the studs, transforming what should have been a new beginning into a costly reconstruction project.
From Civil Lawsuit to Criminal Charges: The Escalation
The 2016 civil lawsuit revealed that Cathey had failed to disclose the bat infestation despite being aware of the issue before the sale. A pre-purchase inspection had somehow missed the extensive problem, leaving the buyers without recourse except through the legal system.
The jury's $526,000 verdict against Cathey ballooned to over $1 million when legal fees and costs were included. This financial blow apparently drove Cathey to consider extreme measures, according to law enforcement officials who built their case through an informant's cooperation.
Similar cases involving extreme reactions to civil judgments have raised concerns about litigation safety. Legal experts note that while million-dollar verdicts can create significant financial stress, the leap to violent solutions represents a dangerous escalation that courts are increasingly monitoring.
Police Recording Reveals Desperate Hitman Search
Court documents reveal that Cathey approached an unidentified individual seeking assistance in locating a contract killer. The informant's cooperation with police led to recorded conversations that form the foundation of the prosecution's case against the real estate seller.
"These people sued me 4 years after I sold my f***ing house, they got bats in their house," Cathey allegedly stated during one recorded conversation. The explicit language and direct threat captured on audio provide compelling evidence of his intent to harm the plaintiffs.
The recordings demonstrate Cathey's willingness to pay substantial sums for the murders, offering $100,000 to have the Fritts killed. His casual discussion of such a serious crime suggests a calculated approach rather than an emotional outburst, according to investigators.
"I've Even Asked Homeless People": The Shocking Details
Perhaps most disturbing in the probable cause affidavit are Cathey's admissions about his failed attempts to locate a hitman through various means. His statement that he "can't find a hitman to save my life" reveals the extent of his efforts to arrange the murders.
The detail that he had "even asked some homeless people" suggests a desperate and prolonged search for someone willing to commit violence on his behalf. This revelation has prompted concerns about how civil defendants might attempt to circumvent legal judgments through illegal means.
Cathey's offer to personally transport the would-be assassin—"I'll even take you and drop you off"—indicates a level of planning that goes beyond idle threats. Such detailed arrangements suggest serious criminal intent rather than mere frustration with the legal system.
Legal Implications and Real Estate Disclosure Laws
This case highlights critical gaps in real estate disclosure enforcement and the potential consequences when sellers conceal known defects. Oklahoma law requires sellers to disclose material facts that could affect a property's value or desirability, yet enforcement mechanisms often rely on post-sale civil litigation.
The extreme nature of Cathey's alleged response has drawn attention from legal scholars studying the intersection of civil and criminal law. Cases involving violent threats following civil judgments remain relatively rare but create precedents for enhanced security measures in high-stakes litigation. Legal authorities are examining whether additional protections are needed for civil lawsuit participants, particularly in cases involving substantial financial judgments.
Real estate professionals across Oklahoma are now reviewing their disclosure protocols in light of this case. The million-dollar judgment serves as a stark reminder that concealing property defects can result in financial ruin, though few anticipated it might also lead to criminal charges.
What This Case Means for Future Civil Litigation Safety
The Cathey case represents a concerning trend where civil litigation victories may expose plaintiffs to unexpected risks. Sheryl Fritts' decision to leave town for safety reasons underscores how legal victories can sometimes create personal security challenges for successful litigants.
Court systems nationwide are examining whether additional protections are needed for civil lawsuit participants, particularly in cases involving substantial financial judgments. The intersection of civil and criminal law in this instance may prompt legislative review of current safeguards.
Legal experts suggest that this case could influence how courts handle post-judgment security concerns and whether protective orders should become standard in high-value civil cases. The precedent being set in Oklahoma may have implications far beyond state borders.
Cathey was released on $200,000 bond following his September 4 arrest, with conditions prohibiting contact with the intended victims. His arraignment is scheduled for September 11 at 9 a.m., where he will face charges that could result in decades in prison if convicted.
The case serves as a sobering reminder that civil disputes, no matter how contentious, must be resolved through legal channels rather than violence. For the Fritts family, their pursuit of justice for a defective home purchase has evolved into a fight for their personal safety.
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