Standoff Ends Peacefully Between Tulsa Police And Two Texas Murder Suspects

A standoff in Tulsa Tuesday afternoon ends with two Texas murder suspects in custody. <br/><br/>The standoff took place in a Tulsa home near Oklahoma and Vandalia, just west of Yale. It ended peacefully

Tuesday, September 19th 2006, 2:32 pm

By: News On 6

A standoff in Tulsa Tuesday afternoon ends with two Texas murder suspects in custody.

The standoff took place in a Tulsa home near Oklahoma and Vandalia, just west of Yale. It ended peacefully after more than four hours of negotiations. Both men were wanted by Texas authorities for a double homicide over the weekend in Pearsall, Texas.

US Marshal Tim Welch:" We received word from the San Antonio Marshals office that we possible had two homicide suspects here in Tulsa." Tulsa Police checked the vehicle description and when it matched, they moved in.

The first suspect to surrender was 21-year-old Lee Roy Sarmiento[top picture]. Tulsa Police negotiated for more than hour with the other suspect 29-year-old Michael Mendez[bottom picture].

Texas authorities say both men are suspects in a brutal double murder. In the crime, both victims were shot several times in the back. A young girl was also stabbed with a screwdriver and played dead so the suspects would leave her alone.

Finally, after more than 4 hours, Mendez peacefully surrendered to Tulsa Police. US Marshals say they're thankful for the working relationship with Tulsa Police. "We have an outstanding relationship with the Tulsa Police Department. We have a Northern Crimes Violent Task Force, hand and hand."

Two other men in the home also surrendered to Tulsa Police, but since they weren't involved in the crime, they were released.