James Kidwell sentenced to life sentences in triple slaying

The man convicted of killing a Tulsa couple and a Good Samaritan last year will spend the rest of his life in jail. <br/><br/>The sentencing closes a painful chapter for both families. Three life terms,

Thursday, December 16th 2004, 6:15 am

By: News On 6

The man convicted of killing a Tulsa couple and a Good Samaritan last year will spend the rest of his life in jail.

The sentencing closes a painful chapter for both families. Three life terms, that's how long convicted murderer James Kidwell will spend behind bars.

Earlier this month, a Tulsa jury found Kidwell guilty of murder in the deaths of Rebecca and Fred Barney and 24-year old Kenneth Maxwell. Attorneys say Kidwell met Rebecca Barney online last year. He met up with her and her ex-husband last February at a downtown bar. Prosecutors say Kidwell was expecting sex. That didn't happen and he turned violent.

He shot and killed Fred Barney, then had sex with Rebecca at gunpoint before killing her. Prosecutors say he tried to cover the crime by setting their house on fire.

Kenneth Maxwell noticed the fire and was outside the home calling 911 when Kidwell killed him.

Courtroom witnesses say Kidwell didn't say anything when the verdict was read. His attorney's say they'll appeal the verdict.