Sentencing phase for man accused in killing begins

Associated Press

WAGONER, Okla. -- Several people testify in the sentencing phase of the first-degree murder trial for a man accused of killing his teenage stepdaughter 11 years ago.

A young woman wept as she described how Oscar Patterson the Third sexually abused her twice a day for months after her relative, Tiffiany Beverly, disappeared.

A Wagoner County jury convicted Patterson September 5th of first-degree murder in Tiffiany's death. A Tulsa County jury did the same thing and recommended death in 2000, but the case was overturned on appeal, because Tiffiany was killed in Wagoner County.

Tulsa County jurors in June 2003 found Patterson guilty of four counts of sexually abusing the woman who testified and sentenced him to 100 years in prison.

Assistant District Attorney John David Luton said because of the sex abuse case, prosecutors see Patterson as a continuing threat to society.

Patterson's wife, Beatrice, testified that she wasn't aware of the abuse that prosecutors say occurred in her home.

Closing arguments and jury deliberations are scheduled for today.