OKLAHOMA - Brayden Brown, 19, appeared in Beaver County Court December 17, for a preliminary hearing regarding the death in June 2025 of Hooker, Okla., resident London Valdez, 16.
Brown walked in to the courtroom shackled hand and feet, wearing the black and gray striped jail uniform. He is facing charges of second degree murder or first degree manslaughter in connection with the death of Valdez, whose body was found near Forgan, Okla., in rural Beaver County.
This was not the first appearance for Brown, who appeared before a judge November 5 and November 12 in 2025.
Valdez was reported missing June 7, 2025, and her body was discovered five days later.
According to law enforcement, during the investigation, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation special agents discovered Valdez was with Brown and another man Jose Minjares, 21, a few days before her death. Minjares has not yet been charged with any wrong doing.
Investigators who spoke to Brown say they learned he was under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamine while with Valdez. He was allegedly the driver of a vehicle belonging to Minjares' family which got stuck on a dirt road, just north of where the body of the young girl was found.
Authorities say Brown left the area without Valdez and this was the last time Valdez was seen alive.
Brown is facing the felony charges related to Valdez as well as misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and domestic abuse with assault and battery involving an alleged incident involving his father, Gene Brown.
At the latest hearing the judge set the cases for another hearing at 9 a.m., February 6 in Beaver County. In agreement with the district attorney and other counsel, the entire day was set aside for the next hearing, stating they will "work in to the evening if they need to."
Brown has entered not guilty pleas and as to the misdemeanor unrelated case, the court said they will "see what happens on February 6 and go from there". It will also be decided at a later time if there will be a trial by jury or bench (with the judge deciding).
Valdez and Brown both had family and friends present in the courtroom for the latest hearing.
Gene Brown, Brown's father, appeared on his own charges involving his son Brayden, after Brayden's hearing concluded.
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