Tulsa Man Who Killed 3 Women, Shot Baby Sentenced To Life In Prison With No Chance Of Parole

A man who admitted he killed three women in their sleep and shot his baby will spend the rest of his life in prison.

A judge sentenced Caleb Venson to three consecutive life sentences without the chance of parole on Thursday, the maximum sentence.

The victim's relatives spoke to News On 6 after his sentencing.

"Let him suffer through life sitting behind bars," said victim Ashley Atwell's aunt Judie Lancaster.

Judie Lancaster takes some comfort in knowing the man who murdered her niece, Ashley Atwell, and great niece Annaway Mackey will never be a danger to anyone else.

"Ashley was the greatest niece ever," Lancaster said. "She was always there if you needed her. When it came to being a mom she's been a little mom since she was like 7 years old. Every picture she has with a baby."

In July 2023, Caleb Venson broke into his ex-girlfriend Ashley Atwell's apartment near Admiral and Garnett, then shot her while she was asleep and holding their 1-year-old son.

Venson then shot the baby, who survived and killed 20-year-old Annaway Mackey and 19-year-old Sarah Gonzales.

Assistant District Attorney John Tjeerdsma says the crime was so heinous that all the details couldn't be read out to the people in court.

"It was cruel, it was brutal. The judge didn't need to hear the additional facts because the courtroom was so emotional, I think he was trying to keep the victim families from having to listen to the details, but it was gory," Assistant DA Tjeerdsma said.

Zachary Laird is Atwell's cousin and says Venson was very jealous and controlling of her.

Laird said he one time had a good relationship with Venson.

"We talked about God together, we actually fellowshipped. I just feel like he went down, he took a very wrong turn somewhere," Laird said.

Venson stood up in court and took responsibility for the murders, saying he was in a very dark place and snapped.

He said he truly apologizes for what he did and as a man he's taking responsibility.

Lancaster doesn't think Venson's apology was genuine.

"I don't think there was any remorse from him. I don't think he feels anything," Lancaster said.

Venson's attorney says he's glad the case was resolved quickly to avoid the death penalty.

Related Coverage:

1. 'Absolutely Horrific Event': 3 Women Killed, Baby Shot In Tulsa Apartment By Ex-Boyfriend, Police Say
2. Man Accused Of Killing 3 Women, Injuring Baby Set To Appear For Bond Hearing
3. Murder Charges Filed Against Man Accused Of Killing 3 Women In Tulsa
4. Man Pleads Guilty To 3 Murder Charges On Wednesday