Son Of Slain Tulsa Businessman, Investigator React To Bulger Convictions

Wheeler's family and a retired investigator who was close to the case say justice hasn't been served yet.

Monday, August 12th 2013, 9:59 pm

By: News On 6


One of the counts mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger was convicted of Monday was the death of a well known Tulsa businessman.

Roger Wheeler was found shot and killed at the Southern Hills Country Club in 1981.

Wheeler's family and a retired investigator who was close to the case say justice hasn't been served yet.

"I've lived most of my life in fear, and I still live in fear so it's hard to celebrate, it's hard to say we're done," said David Wheeler, son of Roger Wheeler.

David said he remembers the day at the Southern Hills Country Club when his father was killed by associates of Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger.

8/12/2013 Related Story: Whitey Bulger Convicted In Tulsan's Death, 10 Others

Roger Wheeler owned World Jai Alai and investigators say Wheeler suspected Bulger's group was skimming money from the business.

"I expected that he would be convicted. I did not know weather or not he would be convicted for my father's murder," David said.

His sister Pamela testified in the federal trial that brought the 11 guilty verdicts Monday.

"They put this plan into motion to kill him and it happened on my shift, and I was the first detective there and I've remained with it for about 32 years," said retired detective Sgt. Mike Huff.

Huff said Bulger still needs to answer to murder charges in Tulsa.

"It was satisfying, but what will really be satisfying is to see him brought back to Tulsa to stand trial for the murder that he committed here---that will be a great day," Huff said.

David and Sgt. Huff have been side-by-side at Congressional hearings, telling their story about Wheeler's death.

David said the responsibility for his father's death goes beyond Bulger. He said the FBI overlooked some of Bulger's crimes, in order to keep him as an informant.

David said he's focusing now on what he says is FBI corruption.

"I've done the best I can. I'm proud with what I've been able to achieve, but so far it's just a drop in the bucket compared to what I'd like to see/what I'd like to achieve," David said.

Sgt. Huff said he plans to go to Bulger's sentencing. Bulger faces life in prison.

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