Jury Recommends Death For Raymond Johnson

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The family of a murdered young mother and baby girl say their two-year wait for justice is finally over.  A jury sentenced Raymond Johnson to death for two counts of first degree murder.  And, they also gave him a life sentence for first degree arson.       

"It was awesome.  Justice has been served and now we get to go to the graveyard and tell Brooke and Kya that justice has been served," said Andra Muir, Brooke Whitaker's mother.

The man who murdered their daughter and niece and seven month old grand-daughter and grand-niece will now pay for his crimes with his life.

"We just thank our lawyers and we thank the jury they just did an incredible job. and we're just so thankful for what they did today because they made the right decision," said Brooke's aunt, Amy Pennington.        

Prosecutors say Raymond Johnson beat Brooke Whitaker with a hammer, crushing her skull and shattering her face.  And then, they say he poured gasoline throughout her house and set it on fire, killing her and her seven-month-old baby girl.

"There's no expression on his face.  There was nothing.  Nothing.  He's not human," said Andra Muir.

"I don't get it. I'm still trying to put two and two together. And so, it's hard. It's really, really hard to even see my brother like that," said Johnson's sister, Artina Johnson.

Artina Johnson is still trying to come to grips with her brother's conviction and death sentence.  Even through with her grief, she says her heart goes out to the Whitaker's family.

"I'm praying for them. I've been praying for them since day 1. Nothing's changed. There's no hard feelings. And, I understand how they feel about us," said Artina Johnson.

Whitaker's family now seems focused on the future.                  

"Instead of this brutal murder, we can remember the good times we've had and hopefully think about the good times we've had with them and try to live a normal life again," said Brooke's aunt, Amy Pennington.

06/25/2009 Related Story: Jury Says Guilty In The Raymond Johnson Trial

Previously, Johnson served 10 years in prison for the 1995 shooting death of Clarence Oliver.