On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, The Lawton Constitution reported that Judge Susan Zwaan of the Comanche County Special District Court has recused herself from overseeing the case of Susen Adell Hunter, who is accused of murdering her estranged husband. This decision came amid a motion filed by Hunter’s attorney, Evan Watson, requesting the judge’s recusal as well as a reduction of Hunter’s bond from $1 million to $100,000.
The recusal took place on the same day that Judge Zwaan and Special District Judge Christine Galbraith withdrew from the case, despite opposition from District Attorney Kyle Cabelka. The case will now be presided over by Cotton County Associate Judge Michael C. Flanagan.
Susen Hunter, 58, is facing serious charges including first-degree murder, solicitation for first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and obstruction of justice. These charges stem from the shooting death of her husband, John Velas, 61, on September 4, 2023, while he was walking in Elmer Thomas Park. The autopsy report indicated that Velas was shot multiple times, including three gunshot wounds to the head.
Hunter and Velas had initiated divorce proceedings on November 19, 2020, with disputes arising over business partnerships. Previously, Hunter had filed a protective order against Velas, which was later dismissed. During a court hearing, Velas accused Hunter of attempting to hire individuals to kill him, allegations that she did not directly dispute when questioned.
Hunter was initially arrested on September 7, 2023, for soliciting murder and was released on a $50,000 bond. However, after several preliminary hearings were postponed due to missing witnesses, the solicitation charge was dropped in September 2024 without prejudice. District Attorney Cabelka has indicated his intention to contest the motion for a reduced bond.
Source: The Lawton Constitution
