Edward Colebert, Drew Burkett and J.T. Foster, three career Tulsa police officers, have been devoted friends since their graduation from the Tulsa Police Academy. When Burkett fathers a child out of wedlock, the three decide to take the responsibility of raising the boy, a move readily accepted by the mother, who resented the pregnancy and had reportedly been abusive to her offspring.
Shortly before the child’s fourth birthday, the mother resurfaced after a prolonged absence and a change of heart and filed for custody. The three men, fearing losing ‘their charge’ sought divine intervention, ultimately becoming convinced God had instructed them to kill the mother.
They chose the crossbow as their murder weapon, because it had been at one time in history, sanctioned by the Holy Roman Emperor for use against ‘sinners’.
When the body is discovered, two homicide investigators, quickly deduce that the suspects are likely police officers. Positive political implications of such an investigation and prosecution become apparent to the Chief of Police and his political nemesis, a young District Attorney. Their subsequent battle for prime public recognition results in the escape and lengthy fugitive status of the most culpable suspect, Colebert, and the eventual acquittal of the other two.
Colebert surrendered after a six month flight from prosecution, and because of his love for his friends, took criminal responsibility for the act shielding them from conviction. His attorney, a prominent lawyer from Tulsa, began an affair with Colebert’s wife while representing him. Following his conviction, sentence to life, and subsequent divorce, the attorney married Colebert’s estranged wife. Colebert’s conviction was subsequently reversed based upon what the court referred to as ‘representation that was sadly remise’, however, the conviction and sentence were later reinstated.
Colebert still serving a life sentence has come before a parole board several times and consistently been turned down. On each occasion, when asked his intentions if paroled, he has steadfastly reiterated his commitment to taking the life of his former attorney.
This murder and subsequent trial has on many occasions been referred to by the Tulsa World as ‘the most bizarre murder in Tulsa’s history.’
Dr. Godfrey Garner is a veteran of both Vietnam and three tours in Afghanistan with US Army Special Forces. A 14 year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department, he currently investigates fraud related to hurricane Katrina, for the state of Mississippi. He lives in Edwards, Mississippi.