Court Affirms Tulsa Man's Life Sentence In Wife's Death

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has affirmed the life prison sentence of a 48-year-old Tulsa man who was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his 50-year-old wife.

The court handed down the decision in the case of Joseph Mitchell, who was convicted by a Tulsa County jury in the April 19, 2012, death of Kennie Mitchell. 

The state Medical Examiner's Office ruled the victim sustained multiple blunt force injuries which caused her to bleed to death.

11/7/2014 Related Story: Jury Recommends Life Without Parole For Tulsa Man Who Killed His Wife

Among other things, the court rejected claims by Joseph Mitchell that the prosecution's evidence was insufficient to convict him of murder. The court said prosecutors "presented a plethora of evidence showing a deliberate intent to kill."

Police found her badly beaten at her home near 31st and Garnett in April 2012.

Detectives said she had a permanent protective order against him because he'd beaten her up before.

Mitchell is serving his sentence at the state prison in Holdenville.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.