Tulsa police say the body found last week in a shallow grave is that of 24-year-old Tyra Whitaker, who was reported as missing and was last seen with a man who has been charged with the murders of two other women.
At first, Tyra Whitaker’s family was going to release a statement, but her mother asked Tyra’s aunt to speak out. The family is hoping it’ll help keep people focused on bringing Tyra justice and holding the person who killed her accountable.
Today, Tyra’s family is remembering the best of her.
“As Tyra, and I don’t know any way else to explain it, other than to remember her as Tyra, all of it,” said Renee McCaskill, Tyra’s aunt.
Tyra had been missing since January. She was last seen alive getting into a pickup with her boyfriend, later identified by police as Terryl Brooks.
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Brooks has since been arrested and is suspected of murdering two other women, Elizabeth Dillard and Star Rainbow Dancer.
Police said Monday that they anticipate a third murder charge against Brooks, who seemingly is the only connection between the three victims.
“You wonder, what could I have done? Or you wonder, what did I miss?” said McCaskill.
Tulsa police found Tyra’s body near a creek in north Tulsa and say Brooks is expected to be charged with murder in Tyra’s death.
“That’s horrific. There’s three people who are missing loved ones tonight because of this guy. Yes, you like to have him off the street, you just wish it never happened in the first place,” said Lt. Brandon Watkins.
Tyra’s family wants to see the person who did this held accountable.
“Our work is just beginning. Now that we’re going to charge him, this investigation is ongoing for us,” said McCaskill.
Tyra leaves behind a 4-year-old son, AJ.
On Saturday, at his request, the family celebrated what would’ve been his mom’s 25th birthday.
“He does know, and he’s sad, but he is surrounded by people who love him, people who are protective of him, so he’s going to be OK,” said McCaskill.
Currently, Brooks is being held on a $5 million bond for two murder charges.
Anyone with additional information on Brooks, Whitaker or any of the related investigations is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (918) 596-COPS.
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