'We Want Him Locked Up:' Victim's Family Awaits Verdict For Glenpool Man Accused Of Killing His Wife In 2022

A Tulsa County judge will decide whether a Glenpool man is guilty of killing his wife and dumping her body in a creek in 2022.

Michael Jimenez testified on the last day of trial that his wife's injuries were from falling in her kitchen, then later tumbling down a ravine and diving into a creek.

Michael Jimenez said the day Erica Evans Jimenez died, she was drunk and hurt herself by falling several times, but the medical examiner testified Erica’s injuries were consistent with being stomped on, beaten and strangled.

Tulsa County prosecutors said Erica was a mother of three, who was brutally killed by her husband inside her home while her kids were there.

Michael Jimenez and Erica had not been married long when she died on May 30, 2022.

Erica’s loved ones, including Kyle Evans, who is her ex-husband and father of her children, filled the courtroom during the trial.

“It's a long time for the family to wait, it's a long time for the children to wait,” said Evans. “It's been an extremely difficult two years.”

More than two dozen people testified during the three-day trial, that was held in front of a judge rather than a jury.

A medical examiner testified Erica was covered in cuts and bruises consistent with repeated blows, like being stomped on and beaten with a metal rebar.

“I'm glad that they were able to get those points in order to get the justice that she needs, but to see her in that way was extremely difficult,” said Evans.

Michael Jimenez testified Erica had been smoking marijuana and drinking that day, and the blood found at her home was from her menstrual cycle and falling.

He said he rescued Erica at Bird Creek when she tumbled down a ravine and dove into the water.

He also testified even though Erica filed for divorce, they were trying to work it out, but several people testified Erica was terrified of him.

“I knew it was bad, but I didn't realize how bad,” said Julie Smith, one of Erica’s best friends.

Erica’s loved ones say they wish they could have prevented her death, but they’re determined to get her the justice she deserves.

“We want him locked up, we want him away, we want our children safe,” said Evans. “We want the family safe.”

Prosecutors asked the judge to find Michael Jimenez guilty and sentence him to life without parole.

The judge said she will be praying for everyone involved and will have a verdict on Aug. 30.