An Oklahoma man who went to buy an axe bludgeoned a stranger to death with it. Now, he will never walk free again.
Tulsa County judge sentenced Israel Trejo to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal death of 22-year-old James “Jimi” Patterson. Trejo pleaded guilty to first-degree murder after his arrest over ten months ago.
"This was one of the most traumatic ones to deal with. The level of brutality, the unprovoked attack, really the demonic aspect of this entire case, is difficult to get out of your head. I am thankful it is over and justice was served,” said Tulsa County First Assistant District Attorney Erik Grayless, according to News on 6.
In October 2022, officers responded to a Tulsa apartment after receiving reports of a man bludgeoned with an axe. According to prosecutors, Trejo had gone to the apartment to purchase an axe from another man. After holding the axe for a few minutes, the defendant suddenly galvanized his strength and struck an unsuspecting Patterson, who had been sitting on a couch watching television, in the head.
The victim was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries days later. The fatal incident was caught on video.
“The victim basically was just sitting in the house, charging his cell phone, eating an egg roll, and was not even interacting with anybody, was just quietly sitting there. Basically, just murdered the victim in cold blood for no reason whatsoever,” said Tulsa Police Lt. Brandon Watkins, reported 102.3 KRMG.
During the investigation, it was determined Trejo and Patterson never knew each other, and neither had ever spoken to each other before. Authorities are still reeling from the unprovoked homicide.
Patterson’s family described him as an upcoming rap artist who was getting ready to release his first album. The victim had recently moved from New York to Tulsa.
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