Oklahoma District Attorneys Speak At Public Forum On Tribal Jurisdiction Ruling

Many Oklahoma district attorneys held a forum Tuesday night to help victims and families navigate the criminal justice system.

Several victims and family members of victims came to get questions answered, because many of their cases have been moved over to federal court because of the Supreme Court ruling on tribal jurisdiction. 

However, a lot of their questions went unanswered because protesters were interrupting the district attorneys who were trying to answer them.

Related Story: Protesters Question Legitimacy Of Forum On Tribal Jurisdiction Ruling: ‘It’s One Sided’

"The path forward is working together, not shouting at each other," said Governor’s Special Counsel Member Ryan Leonard.

Several Green Country district attorneys in counties that lie in tribal jurisdiction say they're doing the best they can. They say they're working with tribal leaders in their area, but feel like more needs to be done so they can protect everyone in their county.

"Our office recognizes McGirt and as far as we are concerned sovereignty is established, we're past that," said Okmulgee County District Attorney Carol Iski.

Many district attorneys said they're frustrated with the way some cases are being handled.

“I will tell you what is happening in every court house is that victims, even native victims, are being victimized every day and nobody is prosecuting those cases,” said Rogers County District Attorney Matt Ballard.

Bobbi Nickel was one of the family members who was there to get questions answers about her brother's case. Casey Jones and four others were killed by a drunk driver in Tulsa in 2007. 

Jones' killer, Kimberly Graham, was sentenced to 107 years, but her request to vacate her sentence was granted. She’s since been charged in tribal court.

"I don’t want anything taken from the tribes, I just want them to revisit this," said Nickel.

Nickel said she just hopes Oklahoma's elected officials along with the tribes can work together to find a solution so victims and their families don't fall through the cracks.

"I think the powers that be might feel differently if it was their loved one that was run over and left mangled in the road,” said Nickel.

The forum was scheduled to go through 8 p.m., but ended about 40 minutes early and only a few questions were taken.

Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said if you have questions about tribal jurisdiction, you can call his office at 918-596-4805.