Bodies Found In Bird Creek, Verdigris River Identified As Missing Tulsa Toddlers

TULSA, Okla. - The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed two bodies recovered this week in the Verdigris River and Bird Creek are the missing Tulsa toddlers Tony and Miracle Crook.

The toddlers were last seen on surveillance video holding hands, walking down steps toward Mingo Creek near the Shoreline Apartments.      

Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin said at one point he asked himself "what if we don't find them?'

Today he said he's thankful they were able to bring the children home, to their family.

"They were loving. Fun to be around and play with,” said Christal McLemore a member of the family.

It was a search that involved dozens of people covering miles of water in three different counties.

Crews recovered Miracle Crook's body in the Verdigris River. Her brother Tony Crook was found nearly 80 miles upstream from her.

"When they didn't come back up from that embankment. We knew what we were dealing with,” said Franklin.

Franklin said the search involved dozens of units within Tulsa Police and surrounding communities, who dropped what they were doing and help look for the children with one goal in mind.

"We did it because we are all parents. We are all sons and daughters and that is what carries us through. I want to thank everyone that is involved in this,” said Franklin.

While many are grieving right now, many are angry and want justice.

Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said they are reviewing charges for the mother,

Donisha Willis, but aren't making any decisions just yet.

Willis was arrested and is facing two charges for child neglect and for assaulting an officer.

"These two children deserve the attention that they deserve. They were innocent lives. Our last memory of them is two kids loving on each other. I think I'd rather the focus be on those two kids,” said Kunzweiler.

Chief Franklin hopes this tragedy sends a message to families in the community.

"If you have little ones. You go home and hug them. You go home and you play ball with them. You do whatever you can to be a good parent,” said Franklin.