Arrest made in connection to murder of missing teenager

STILLWATER, OKLA (KFOR) — The search for Stillwater teenager, Teedeenae "Jackson" Yearby, continues more than a year later. Yearby was first reported missing in February of last year.

On Wednesday, Stillwater Police arrested Quinlan Phipps in connection to the teen's murder.

More than a year later, there's still no sign of Jackson Yearby, leaving family and friends with unanswered questions.

"What happened to him? What did he do? Where is he now?," said Aspen Lawton, a friend of Jackson Yearby.

Yearby was 17 when police said he disappeared last February.

Nearly 15 months later, police made an arrest.

"Detectives arrested Quinlan Phipps, 19 years old, from Stillwater, on the complaints of first degree murder," said Lt. TJ Low with the Stillwater Police Department.

A childhood friend of Yearby said he had the kindest heart.

"He always smiled and he was always accepting. He never judged anybody," said Lawton.

Lawton thought back to the moment she first heard about his disappearance last year

"I had never cried so hard in my life. Like I was sobbing, so sad," said Lawton.

She said the arrest of Phipps gives some closure, but not enough.

Now, she's left with questions about her childhood friend.

"Why would you take somebody so kind and so caring who had the entire world in his hands, who could have done so many good things and you just ripped that from him," said Lawton.

Stillwater Police said they are still interviewing people to connect details in the case.

If you know anything on Jackson Yearby's disappearance, call police.