OKC Man Pleads Guilty To Murdering Girlfriend

Monday morning, Devin Timmons accepted a plea deal of life without parole for the murder of his girlfriend Laura Brooks.

Timmons is accused of beating Brooks to death at their southwest Oklahoma City apartment in front of her children in July, 2015.

Inside the courtroom Monday morning were Timmons' mother and other family members, as well as several members of the Brooks family, including three of Laura Brooks' nieces and nephews, her mother, father, sister and brother.  Brooks’ sister, mother, brother and father read impact statements.

Nancy Brooks was surrounded by family as she came face-to-face with Timmons. 

“If I don’t forgive him I'll never be able to go on with my life,” said Nancy Brooks.

She said at one time, she loved and accepted into their family until that terrible day last July.

Timmons is accused of beating and killing Laura Brooks right in front of her own children.

And Nancy Brooks said the two had a history of domestic violence.

“He tried to suffocate her by putting a shirt and plastic bag over her head- and she survived,” said Nancy Brooks. “And then he manually strangled her.”

But instead of seeking vengeance, they chose to show mercy and to forgive Timmons, who openly wept before them.

“Nobody should have to deal with what we've been through,” said Ben Brooks, Laura’s brother. “We forgive him as a person but we'll never forget what he did. What he did to our family is just not right.”

Also in the courtroom was Timmon's mother, who came out and hugged Laura's family after the sentencing.

“She said I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry,” said Nancy Brooks. “And I said I am too , and it was the first time as mothers that we had ever come together.”

Timmons remained silent as he made his final walk through the Oklahoma County courthouse.

Resigned to his fate that he would be spending the rest of his life behind bars with no chance for parole.

And now Laura's family plans to shift their focus onto reuniting her children back with their family so they can remember their mommy up in heaven surrounded by those who loved her.

“My grandchildren did not deserve to be traumatized like this,” said Nancy Brooks. “They were literally ripped away from everyone that  they've ever known.”

For now, Laura Brooks’ children remain in protective custody.

Timmons sought treatment for bipolar disorder in the past. He accepted all the terms of the plea deal stated to him by the judge and entered a guilty plea.