SerpApi.Org
A Tulsa County judge has sentenced a Tulsa man to life without the possibility of parole for the death of his 1-month-old son last year.
Tyrice Williams pleaded guilty in April to one count of murder by child abuse without a sentencing recommendation from the Tulsa County District Attorney's Office.
During the sentencing hearing, a judge found Williams guilty and sentenced him to life without the possibility of parole in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Williams will receive credit for time served. The judge also denied a request to set a judicial review after hearing a victim impact statement and arguments from both sides.
Baby suffered extensive injuries
Williams was arrested after his 1-month-old son died in August 2025.
According to investigators, a neighbor called 911 on Aug. 11, 2025, after hearing an argument and loud thuds coming from a nearby apartment.
When officers arrived, they found the infant in cardiac arrest. The baby was taken to a hospital, where doctors found he had suffered multiple serious injuries, including a skull fracture, a collapsed lung and several broken bones. The child died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Investigation contradicted Williams' account
Police said Williams, the baby's mother and another woman were at the apartment before the child's injuries.
Investigators said surveillance video showed the other woman leaving after an argument with Williams, followed shortly by the baby's mother. Both women told investigators the baby was unharmed and sitting in a swing when they left.
According to police, doorbell camera footage showed Williams briefly leaving the apartment before returning about a minute later. Investigators said the video captured a baby crying, Williams talking to the baby, and then several loud thuds.
The baby's mother returned a short time later and called 911.
Police said Williams initially claimed the other woman threw the baby down the stairs. He later told investigators the woman pushed him down the stairs while he was holding the infant. Detectives said doorbell camera footage did not support either account.
Case timeline
- Aug. 11, 2025: Officers responded to an apartment after reports of an argument and found a 1-month-old baby in cardiac arrest. The infant later died.
- Aug. 12, 2025: Williams was charged with first-degree murder by child abuse.
- April 29, 2026: Williams pleaded guilty to murder by child abuse without a sentencing recommendation from prosecutors.
- July 14, 2026: A Tulsa County judge sentenced Williams to life without the possibility of parole.
