Family Of Man Found Beaten To Death Asks 'Why Did This Have To Happen?'

The family of a man who Tulsa Police say was beaten to death in his home near Admiral and Yale spoke with News On 6 on Friday about the tragic experience.

The family of Donald Thomas, Jr. said it was his cousin who killed him, and they’re trying to figure out how someone could do this to their own family.

Marilyn Alexander broke down in tears talking about her son.

“I just want to know why? Why did this have to happen? Why did this have to happen?” Alexander asked.

Police say they found Thomas beaten to death inside the home on Admiral Boulevard.

Officers said Thomas got into an argument with Kyle Freeman, and Freeman beat Thomas to death with a water key.

He was later arrested in Creek County.

Thomas’ family said they don’t understand why he would do this.  

Sierra Howell, Thomas' sister, said “We both lost people on both sides. One’s going in the ground and one’s going behind bars for the rest of his life. Senseless murder.”

Because of the recent Supreme Court ruling, the FBI is leading this investigation because both the suspect and victim are Native Americans and it happened on tribal land.