Judge Rejects Tulsa Murder Suspect’s Plea Deal, Orders Him To Stand Trial

The family of a 30-year-old man who was murdered is glad the suspect was not allowed to do a plea deal. Instead, a federal judge ordered him to stand trial.

Daniel Morgan's cousin said they went to court thinking the suspect was going to get a plea deal, so they were overjoyed when the judge said no.

It's been nearly a year since Daniel was shot and killed outside an East Tulsa home.

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His cousin Mary Riley said it's been a year filled with grief.

"All the steps we've had to take, it'll be a year," Riley said. “July 25. It's the hardest year."

Riley said Daniel was the kind of guy everyone wanted to be around. He was a father of five who loved God and would do anything for anyone.

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"He was the person who would speak up for you in every situation," Riley said. "He would always lend a helping hand."

Court documents said Kyle Sago went to visit Daniel last July, came back later to talk some business and then Sago shot and killed Daniel.

The plea agreement called for Sago to plead guilty to second-degree murder and get a 25-year prison sentence, but judge Gregory Frizzell turned down the plea. He ordered Sago to go on trial for first-degree murder in September.

"The judge believes there's enough evidence to prove premeditation," Riley said.

Riley said her family was shocked, and so happy.

"It was like a breath of fresh air, just like oh my goodness," she said.

She said they plan on being at the trial and want justice for Daniel.

"He would give the shirt off his back and give you what he didn't have," Riley said.

Sago's attorney Heath Hyde said he understands the judge's decision and looks forward to defending Sago in September.

The U.S. Attorney's office and Judge Frizzell said they can't comment since the case is still ongoing.