Police Arrest Murder Suspect

Wednesday, September 12th 2007, 10:15 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Police and citizens worked together to get a murder suspect behind bars, 18 hours after he allegedly committed the crime. News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright reports Tulsa Police say 27-year-old Martinez Williams robbed another man on Tuesday morning. That victim told Tulsa Police, the suspect stole a cell phone and police say Williams then used the phone to make a call.

Tulsa Police say they found out who Williams called, checked that person's known associates and that led them to their man. Detectives began doing surveillance near the homes of the suspect's relatives near 11th and Sheridan early Wednesday morning and they struck pay dirt. Tulsa Police records say Martinez Williams went to someone Wednesday and said, "I think I killed a man yesterday." Police say Martinez told that person he needed to "get money" and asked that person to pawn some things for him.

Tulsa Police records show after Williams was arrested, he admitted being the person who robbed the victim, Stefan Schlemme, but said the gun went off accidentally during the struggle. Tulsa Police say the victim was willing to hand over a few dollars, but refused to hand over all his money, since he had just been paid.

"You never know until you're put in that situation, but, the best thing to do is to give them your belongings. It's money and it's a watch, it's really not worth your life," says Tulsa Police officer Jason Willingham.

Police found Williams' car Wednesday morning and confiscated it in order to do a forensic exam of it for additional evidence. That led them to a nearby duplex near 11th and Sheridan. Police contained the entire neighborhood, brought out the police helicopter and police arrest teams were given assignments before making contact. Williams went out the back door of the duplex and police took him into custody without incident. Williams was booked into the Tulsa County jail on two complaints robbery and one complaint of first-degree murder. Police say stranger murders in Tulsa are actually quite rare.

"Do I think this is a trend, where it's not safe for citizens to mow their yard or go to the convenience store? No. Every year, we have a handful of murders that are stranger killings and that's what this is," says TPD officer Jason Willingham.

Robbery detectives are now researching recent cases to see if Williams was a suspect in those as well.

News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright talked to a homicide detective Wednesday afternoon, who said police are running a series of search warrants connected with this case.

Tulsa Police say citizens were a great help in this case, because a number of people called Crimestoppers after police officers released a picture of the unique necklace the killer wore during the robbery.

Watch the video: Quick Work Nabs Murder Suspect

Related story:

9/11/2007 - Robbery Outside A Home Turns Fatal