New Mexico Man Accused Of Killing Wife In OKC Hotel

A New Mexico couple is at the center of an Oklahoma City murder investigation.

The husband is accused of killing his wife Ruthie Jimerson, 40, on Saturday before he tried to hurt himself.

Investigators have been unable to question Jeffery Barker, 48, because he was rushed to OU Medical Center and was taken into surgery with significant injuries.

“It over the weekend when police received a call through 911,” said Master Sgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department. “A man called in and indicated that he killed his wife.”

Barker and Jimerson were staying at the La Quinta Inn on South Meridian Avenue near Interstate 40. When officers got to the hotel, they were led the couple's room on the second floor.

“He had significant wounds to his upper torso, and again, she was pronounced dead at the scene,” said Knight.

Barker was rushed to the hospital, and at last check, he was still there recovering.

Jimerson's father posted on social media two days ago that his daughter reached out to him during her final moments. Jimerson told him she did not want to die alone.

Investigators are still piecing together what happened inside the hotel room. They know the couple was traveling from their home in Mesilla Park, New Mexico, and stopped in Oklahoma City.

“It’s unclear what led up to him killing her, and then trying to kill or injure himself,” said Knight.

Investigators hope to get more answers once the victim's husband is released from the hospital.

“Upon his release from the hospital, he will be booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a murder complaint,” said Knight.

If anyone at the hotel heard or saw anything leading up to the killing, they are asked to call the homicide tip line at 405-297-1200.