Wagoner County man sentenced to 35 years for killing grandfather in house fire

Joshua Hedrick pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 35 years in prison for setting a fire that killed his grandfather in 2023.

Saturday, August 16th 2025, 9:11 am

By: Graham Dowers

WAGONER CO. -

A Wagoner County man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for killing his grandfather in a house fire.

Investigators say Joshua Headrick lit a mattress on fire in March 2023 while his grandfather, Clarence Headrick, was asleep inside the home. Clarence did not survive the fire.

Family members told investigators at the time that they suspected Joshua’s involvement, but authorities said there was not enough evidence to make an arrest.

More than a year later, Headrick called investigators and admitted to starting the fire, telling them that voices in his head instructed him to do it.

Court records show Hedrick pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Graham Dowers

Graham Dowers is a digital content producer for Griffin Media, with a background in linguistics, Russian studies, cybersecurity, and immigration law. He now produces digital content, drawing on global and local experience to tell impactful stories.