Family Still Dealing With Carjacking, Assault

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- It was a year ago that a little girl was kidnapped and sexually assaulted after a man stole her family's van during a carjacking.  Brandon Brixey has been charged with the crime, but has not been to trial yet.

On June 26, 2008, a mother sitting in a van with three of her children was approached by a man who tapped on her window.  She says when he started breaking in, she jumped out to confront him and that's when he jumped in her van and took off with the kids, ages eight, three and one.

06/26/2008  Related Story:  Man Arrested In Carjacking, Sexual Assault

Her 911 call was heartbreaking.

A year later, the kids still talk to counselors three times a week.  They do well most days, until something triggers a memory of that terrible night.  She says the children still have nightmares of the two hours they spent with the kidnapper, but the oldest, who will be 10 in a few days, struggles the most because of the sexual assault.

"She has her moments, the stress of court, that's the time the stomachaches come, headaches come and night time is not good. Still don't sleep well at night," said Barbara, the victim's mother.

She says the support of family and friends has brought them through the last year.

She says they stay busy as a way to put the crime behind them, but when the memories bubble up, they are powerful.

"It's indescribable, the feelings, emotions, a lot of mixed emotions, anger, scared all over again, just brings you back to that night, all the feelings of that night," said Barbara, the victim's mother.

Barbara testified against the man accused of the crime, Brandon Brixey, and a judge ruled there was enough evidence for him to stand trial.

She hopes after the trial her family will feel some sense of peace, even though their sense of safety is gone forever.

Brandon Brixey's next court date is in August.

05/18/2009  Related Story:  Accused Tulsa Child Rapist Bound Over For Trial