Dentist Targets OKC Baby's Mother In Murder-For-Hire Plot, Docs Say

The Tulsa dentist accused of killing an Oklahoma City baby is now facing a new charge, he is accused of trying to hire someone to kill the baby's mother.

Dr. Bert Franklin’s murder trial was scheduled to begin Monday morning for the death of 19-month-old Lincoln Lewis in July 2016. But instead prosecutors filed a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.

According to court documents, Franklin was awaiting trial in the Oklahoma County Jail when he approached another inmate, who at the time was already assisting law enforcement as a confidential informant on an unrelated case. Court documents say the two conspired to enlist the help of another inmate, who was also serving as a confidential informant in another case, and who had just been released from jail.

Investigators gave a recordable cell phone to the inmate to give to Franklin. They say on Thursday Franklin texted his wife and asked her to place $300 in the account of another inmate.  And on December 1st and 3rd Franklin used the cell phone to text and call the former inmate and provided step-by-step driving instructions to his intended target Roxanne Randell’s home as well as information about security cameras.  

Franklin's attorney says his client denies he has anything to do with the new charge.

“We’re just trying to get to the bottom of it,” said Scott Adams. “Mr Franklin swears up and down he didn’t have anything to do with it, he didn’t want anything bad to happen to Ms. Randell.”

The investigator on the case says he's believes Franklin was manipulating his wife and she didn't know about the plan.  Franklin will now likely go to trial on all charges at a later date.  

READ ALSO: Murder Trial Against Tulsa Dentist Expected To Begin Monday In OK Co.