The close‑knit community of Hugo, Oklahoma, is reeling after the tragic death of one of its own: 53‑year‑old Traci Lea Byrd. Authorities identified Byrd as the victim of a murder in the rural Council Hill area of McIntosh County. The suspect, 47‑year‑old Arma(ndo) Mustafa Rojas Caceras of Hugo, was apprehended near the scene.
Traci was far more than a resident; she was a vibrant thread in the fabric of the community. Born April 27, 1972, she grew up in Hugo, graduating from Hugo High School in 1990. Her life took her into unexpected avenues: she studied Business at Trinity University in San Antonio and even spent a semester abroad in Syvilla, Spain. Fluent in Spanish, she carried that skill into her work and relationships.
But perhaps what made Traci unforgettable was her legacy before this tragedy. She came from a remarkable family. Her grandparents, D. R. and Isla Miller, once owned the second‑largest traveling circus in the world, and Traci was part of that circus life—performing on the Spanish web, riding elephants and horses, swinging from ladders and trapezes, managing concessions and tickets. That blend of daring, care and showmanship defined the warmth and kindness people now recall.
In her personal life, Traci married Julio Cavallini in 1996 and together they raised two children—Brandon Lee Cavallini and Cameron Marie Cavallini—whom she was exceedingly proud of. She was known as a devoted mom, a trusted friend, and a generous soul whose smile could brighten a room, whose support was unwavering and whose compassion knew no bounds.
The circumstances of her death remain under investigation by law enforcement. Authorities are working to determine the official cause and manner of death as the community awaits further details. Meanwhile, the residents of Hugo and surrounding areas are coming together—mourning, remembering, offering condolences—and reflecting on how one life can ripple outward to touch so many.
For those left behind—her children, her mother Barbara Byrd, her sister Kristin Parra (and her nephews Bryce, Peyton and Blake) and the extended family and friends—Traci left a lasting imprint. Amid the sorrow, the stories of her kindness, the laughter she shared, the dedication she gave to others are being spoken aloud, reminding everyone that while she’s gone, the impact remains.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Traci’s honor to The Endangered Ark Foundation, aligning with her generous spirit and her love for life in all its forms. As Hugo moves through this difficult chapter, the memory of Traci Byrd serves as a gentle but resolute reminder that love, compassion and connection matter. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the hearts she held.