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TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A transcript of a 911 call made from a Tulsa-area home where five people were stabbed to death last month can be released to the public, along with other records sought by reporters in the case, a judge ruled Wednesday.
In ordering only the transcript released, District Judge William Musseman prevented release of an audio version at the request of defense attorneys for the two Broken Arrow brothers accused of killing their parents and three of their siblings not to release an audio version. Police have described it as "gruesome," and attorneys for the teenagers argued its contents could jeopardize the brothers' chance at a fair trial.
Eighteen-year-old Robert Bever and 16-year-old Michael Bever have been charged with five counts of first-degree murder as well as assault charges in the July 22 attack on their 13-year-old sister, who survived. A judge has entered not guilty pleas for them.
Outside of the courtroom, Broken Arrow City Attorney Beth Anne Wilkening said the 911 transcript and other records collected in the early hours of the investigation would be released to reporters by 5 p.m. Thursday.
In brief remarks, she said the city has been challenged with "the need to balance the need for transparency and the need to protect the integrity of the prosecution."
Before ruling, Musseman listened to the tape in his chambers to consider whether it could taint the potential jury pool or jeopardize the investigation of the case, as defense attorneys had argued during an hours-long hearing Wednesday.
According to investigators, officers went to the home in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow after receiving a 911 call from someone who said in a faint voice that a brother was attacking the family.
The 13-year-old sister told police that "her brothers" were responsible, according to an affidavit filed ahead of the pair being formally charged. A 2-year-old sister survived unharmed.
The brothers were arrested shortly after the attack in a wooded area near their home. Police said a tracking dog followed their scent after officers noticed fresh footprints in the home's backyard.
The state medical examiner identified the dead as David Bever, 52; his wife April Bever, 44; and their children Daniel Bever, 12, Christopher Bever, 7, and Victoria Bever, 5.
Authorities have not released a motive in the case.
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