Family, Friends React To Charges In Weleetka Murder Case

WELEETKA, Oklahoma -- Time has taken its toll on the Weleetka roadside memorial. Even though it's been three years since Skyla Whitaker and Taylor Placker were gunned down on a dirt road, their families never gave up hope someone would be charged in the girls' deaths.

Skyla's cousin, Joann Mathieu stopped by the memorial after hearing the news.

"It is sort of a relief, but it brings everything back.  It's kind of a bittersweet moment, I guess," she said.

Murder charges were filed against 25-year-old Kevin Sweat of Henryetta. According to the arrest affidavit, Sweat told an OSBI agent during questioning that he was on a dirt county road in his car when "two monsters" came at him.  He says he panicked and shot them.

"I just don't get a human being...  How could a human being do such a thing to babies?" Mathieu said.

Many people in the small town of Weleetka say it hasn't been the same since the girls' murders, but the break in the case they have been waiting for has happened.

"If it's the right one, it's just wonderful.  But it's been a cloud over this community since it happened," said Weleetka resident Lois Williams.

Now their thoughts turn to the victim's families.

Nancy King of Weleetka had this to say, "I hope the families get some relief from this because it's been a long time coming."