Oklahoma.

A preliminary hearing has been set for the man charged with murder in connection with the missing 16-year-old found dead near Forgan, Oklahoma.

According to Beaver County case records, 19-year-old Brayden Brown appeared in front of a judge Dec. 17 and is charged with second-degree murder or first-degree manslaughter.

The records show a preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 6, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Brown is charged in the death of 16-year-old London Valdez.

According to records, Brown first appeared in front a judge Nov. 5 and again Nov. 12.

Valdez was reported missing by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and was later found dead on June 12.

According to officials, during the investigation, OSBI special agents discovered Valdez was with Brown a few days before her death.

Officials say investigators spoke to Brown and learned he was under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamine.

Officials learned Brown was driving when his vehicle got stuck on a dirt road just north of where Valdez was found dead.

Officials say Brown then left the area.

OSBI says this is the last time Valdez was seen alive.

Brown is also facing two unrelated charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and domestic abuse with assault and battery.