Wisconsin man could face murder charges after fatal chase on the Turner Turnpike

SAPULPA, Okla. (AP) -- A Wisconsin man could be charged with second-degree murder after a high-speed chase ended with his girlfriend's death.<br><br>Cesar Lira, 33, is expected to be charged with second-degree

Thursday, April 22nd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SAPULPA, Okla. (AP) -- A Wisconsin man could be charged with second-degree murder after a high-speed chase ended with his girlfriend's death.

Cesar Lira, 33, is expected to be charged with second-degree murder, eluding police, running a roadblock and child abuse-neglect.

The Milwaukee man had escaped from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections on April 15.

The deadly chase began April 16 as Lira attempted to elude Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers on the Turner Turnpike.

Troopers were unaware that Lira was a fleeing fugitive when they attempted to stop his 1997 Oldsmobile near Stroud after he made an illegal lane change.

Lira initially stopped, but then drove away at a high rate of speed.

Lira's girlfriend Marilyn Ordonez, and the mother of his 6-year-old daughter, was killed when she was thrown from the car as Lira tried to exit the turnpike at the Bristow gate.

The vehicle skidded through the turn and went down an embankment before crossing a ramp and overturning.

Ordonez, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers say they were unaware the couple's child was in the car. On Tuesday, a Creek County judge gave custody to the child's godparents.

A $250,000 bond has been set for Lira.