Juror Speaks Out After Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty To Rape

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A juror is speaking out after an admitted child rapist pleads guilty in the middle of his trial. Several jurors say they're angry Brandon Brixey allowed the now 10-year-old victim to testify in open court before he decided to stop the trial. 

"I think the toughest thing was to watch that little girl walk into the courtroom," said Michele Burns, a juror.

Several jurors told The News On 6 they're going through relief, shock, disappointment and even anger. 

Burns says even during the trial, she never understood what Brandon Brixey was thinking.

Burns is a professional party planner and the proud mom of a college freshman. She was also on the jury for Brandon Brixey, who was charged with sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl after stealing her mother's van. 

The victim testified about the assault, and how she couldn't push Brixey away, no matter how hard she tried.

"I probably will never forget her face. When she had to describe what happened to her," said Burns.

The next court date, Brixey stunned the courtroom by pleading guilty to all six charges -- two counts of first degree rape and one count each of lewd molestation of a minor, kidnapping, first degree robbery by force or fear and eluding police.

"Relieved, that I did not have to have that burden on my shoulders to put that man away," said Burns. "But at the same time, frustrated and disappointed that he let that now 10-year-old girl get up there on that stand and make her relive that moment."

One of the last witnesses that would have been called was the victim's younger brother, who was in the van during the assault.

"There was a strong desire to not see the children go through any more than they've already gone through," said David Phillips, Brixey's attorney.

Burns says everyone deserves a fair trial, and the jury looked at the evidence with an open mind. She says despite the emotional testimony and evidence, she's proud to have served on a jury.

"This is our civic duty. If we can't serve in the armed forces, this is a way of serving, not only from a standpoint of patriotism, but just purely civic duty," said Burns.

A Tulsa judge will sentence Brandon Brixey on April 19th. He's facing up to six life sentences.

3/8/2010  Related Story: Tulsa Man Stops Trial, Enters Guilty Plea