Weleetka Community, Family Feels Relief After Murder Charges Filed

Jennifer Pierce, News On 6

WELEETKA, Oklahoma -- The families of the two girls gunned down near Weleetka have waited three years for some sort of justice.

A cousin of Skyla Whitaker talks about what it means to finally see someone charged with the murder.

Time has taken its toll on a roadside memorial near where the murder's happened.

Even though it's been 3 years since Taylor Placker and Skyla Whitaker were gunned down on the dirt road, their families never gave hope someone would be charged in their deaths.

Skyla's cousin stopped by the memorial after hearing the news.

"It's sort of a relief, but it brings everything back to the surface," said Joann Mathieu, Skyla's cousin.

Murder charges were filed against 25-year-old Kevin Joe Sweat of Henryetta. He told an OSBI agent he was on the dirt road when two "monsters" came at him. He panicked and shot them.

12/09/2011 Related Story: Suspect In Weleetka Girls' Murders Says He Shot 'Two Monsters'

"I just don't get it. How can a human being do such a thing to babies?" Mathieu said.

People in the small town of Weleetka say it hasn't been the same since the girl's murders, but the break in the case they've been waiting for has happened.

"It's just a wonderful release. This has been a cloud over the community ever since it happened," said Lois Williams, Weleetka resident.

Now there thoughts turn to the victim's families.

"I hope the family gets some relief from this because it's a long time coming," said Nancy King, Weleetka resident.