Tulsa Man Sentenced To Life In Prison In Motel Triple Murder

A 21-year-old Tulsa man pleaded "no contest" to three counts of first degree murder and one count of robbery with a firearm.  Dale Curtis Carr was facing the death penalty at a trial next month.

With the plea deal, he will now avoid the death penalty.

Carr was arrested in November of 2010 for the shooting deaths of Joey Deon Mike, 23; Toni Ruff, 20, and 19-year-old Jermiko Thomas at the Days Inn Hotel at Admiral and Sheridan on October 7, 2010.

11/8/2010: Related Story: Persons Of Interest Released In Last Week's Tulsa Motel Murders

Judge Kurt Glassco sentenced him to life without parole in the shooting deaths and life with parole on the robbery with a firearm charge. The sentences will be served concurrently.

Carr gets credit for time served, a total of almost two years.

Carr told the judge he had a prior felony conviction of shooting with intent to kill in 2008.  

The judge asked Carr if he wanted to remain in the county jail or request immediate transportation and Carr asked for transportation. 

Judge Glassco's small courtroom was packed with the victims' family members.  After the proceedings were finished the judge excused the attorneys and took questions from the families.

They wanted to know why Carr had changed his plea, and why he has a 10-day window to appeal his plea.

The judge told them he wasn't told why Carr changed his mind and that everyone who pleads no contest has the same right to appeal, but after the ten days are up it's over.  He assured the families that if that happens they would be notified.