Thursday, October 31st 2019, 12:15 pm
A Tulsa man is sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder after his drug dealing led a teenager to overdose and die.
Taylor Rogers was charged with second degree murder in April 2018 following the death of 19-year-old Jillian Searle in March. Those who loved Searle remember has as a beautiful and shining personality.
"She was such a blessing to all of us," her sister, Paige, said. "She was so funny. So vibrant."
"Her smile made you smile," said friend Cera Way. "It was just contagious."
They also remember the darker moments; the moments when Jill was gripped by her addiction.
"We saw her struggle for a while and it broke her, and it broke us," Paige said. "And nobody wants to go through that."
Jill overdosed on heroin last year; the drugs were provided to her by 29-year-old Taylor Rogers.
"They're vultures," Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said. "They're picking over people who are addicts."
Kunzweiler worked closely with Tulsa Police to charge Rogers with second degree murder and bring him to justice. Although Jill took the drugs, Kunzweiler said her blood is on Rogers' hands.
Related Story: First-Degree Murder Charge Brought Against Alleged Tulsa Drug Dealer
"What does a drug dealer do?" he asked. "He is delivering drugs to an addicted population that is vulnerable."
"They don't care about what happens to the person they provided the drugs to," Kunzweiler continued.
Rogers pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, plus 10 years suspended.
Kunzweiler said he hopes this case serves as a warning to other drug dealers. He said if you deal drugs to someone who overdoses and dies, they're coming for you, too
Jill's loved ones say the outcome brings them some sense of justice, but unfortunately, not the ending they'd ever hoped for.
"There's no winning, really," Way said. "Just consequences for actions."
"Nothing's going to fix what's happened, you know?" Paige added. "Nothing's going to bring her back."
Kunzweiler said if you find yourself living a life of crime you don't want to be a part of, there are resources for you to get help and get out at the Tulsa Police Department.
October 31st, 2019
March 14th, 2024
December 4th, 2023
September 25th, 2023
March 29th, 2024
March 29th, 2024
March 29th, 2024