Tulsa Judge Hears Testimony In Child Abuse, Possible Murder Case

A Tulsa County judge will soon decide if a man should stand trial for the death of an 11-year-old boy he is accused of abusing and neglecting.

Previous Story: Murder Charges Filed Against Tulsa Couple Accused Of Child Abuse, Neglect

John Miles and Camille Lewis have both been charged with abusing and neglecting their three children. Miles is also charged with second-degree murder in the death of their son Orlando Hugger, even though his body has not been found. It is highly unusual for prosecutors to file a murder charge in a case where the victim's body has not been found, but not unheard of.

In May, Tulsa police and other investigators did an extensive search of the backyard of the house where the family lived. The boy’s sister told investigators that Miles and his cousin buried Orlando's body in a park, then worried it was too shallow.

She told detectives they dug him up and burned his remains in a barrel, then put the ashes in a storm drain. Tulsa police say Lewis admits to abusing and starving the children but denies the boy's death. The judge began Tuesday's session by clearing the courtroom, then listening to testimony from one of the children.

The next preliminary hearing date for Miles is set for June 26.