One of the most disturbing family murder incidents in recent American history is the Broken Arrow killings. The Bever family murders rocked Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, in July 2015, shattering the close-knit town. Five members of their family were killed, and two were gravely traumatized in a well-planned attack carried out by two brothers, Robert and Michael Bever.
The public was stunned by this horrific incident, which revealed the unsettling dynamics in the Bever household as well as the terrifying motivations of the murderers.
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The Bever Family
The Bever family consisted of parents David and April and their seven children, ages 2 to 18. They were described as reclusive, with minimal interaction with neighbors in their Broken Arrow neighborhood. The family adhered to strict religious beliefs and lived a largely insular life, which later fueled speculation about the dynamics within the household.
The Night of the Broken Arrow Killings
Broken Arrow police received a 911 call from the Bever residence on the evening of July 22, 2015, indicating that there may have been an attack. The panicked call was made by a 12-year-old girl who was eventually identified as Crystal Bever, who said that her brothers were assaulting the family. When police got there, they discovered a horrifying crime scene.
Five Bever family members were brutally murdered: Victoria (5), Christopher (7), Daniel (12), April (44), and David (52). The youngest sibling, a 2-year-old girl, and 13-year-old Crystal Bever both survived the assault.
The Bever Brothers: Robert and Michael
The two oldest boys, Michael Bever, 16, and Robert Bever, 18, were the murderers. According to investigations, the brothers had spent months carefully planning the killings. Aspiring to become notorious mass murderers, they planned to murder their entire family before carrying out the slaughter by going for random individuals.
- The mastermind was said to be Robert Bever. He was fascinated with serial killers and harbored deep-seated animosity toward his family.
- Despite being younger, Michael Bever took an active role, influenced by his older brother’s goals and beliefs.
When questioned, the brothers frightfully described their motivation as a desire for fame, displaying no remorse.
Crystal Bever: The Survivor’s Testimony
Crystal Bever, the 13-year-old survivor, played a crucial role in providing details about the attack. She described how her brothers lured the younger siblings into the house before attacking them with knives. Despite being severely injured, Crystal managed to call 911, which ultimately saved her youngest sibling and herself.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Shortly after the killings, the brothers were captured by Broken Arrow police. They were discovered, covered in blood, hiding in a wooded area close to their house.
- After being accused as an adult, Robert Bever entered guilty pleas to all five killings and was given five life sentences without the possibility of release.
- Adult charges were also brought against Michael Bever. His defense claimed during his trial that his brother influenced him. Despite this, he was found guilty and given a life sentence with the chance of release after 38 years.
The Bever brothers’ crime shares similarities with the infamous Menendez brothers, who murdered their parents in 1989. Both cases were allegedly driven by abuse, with the brothers’ violent actions shocking the public. Explore more about the Menendez Brothers.
Motives and Psychological Insights
The Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, murders raised questions about the psychological state of the Bever brothers. Robert exhibited signs of severe antisocial behavior and a fascination with mass killings. Both brothers were isolated, with minimal social interaction, which may have fueled their disturbing fantasies.
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- Ruby Franke: Mom-Vlogger Tortured Kids in Cult
Legacy of the Broken Arrow Killings
The Broken Arrow murders forever changed the neighborhood and the surviving family members. Despite her severe injuries, Crystal Bever has recently started to reconstruct her life. After escaping the assault, the younger sibling was put in a secure location.
The Bever home, a grim reminder of the tragedy, was demolished in 2017. In its place, a park has been established to honor the victims and provide a space for healing.
Like the Bever brothers, the Ervin brothers committed a brutal family murder stemming from emotional trauma and dysfunction. Their story echoes the dark patterns found in the Bever case. Discover more about the Ervin Brothers.
Conclusion
The Broken Arrow killings remain a haunting case of familial betrayal and unthinkable violence. The nation was startled, and the Bever family was heartbroken by the conduct of Robert and Michael Bever. The memory of the deaths serves as a somber reminder of the frailty of life and the significance of being vigilant against such catastrophes as the surviving family members and the Broken Arrow community work to heal.
FAQs
What was the motive behind broken arrow oklahoma murders?
The Bever brothers aspired to achieve infamy by committing mass killings. The family murders were part of a larger plan to target strangers.
Who survived the Bever family murders?
Crystal Bever, 13 at the time, and her 2-year-old sibling survived the attack.
What happened to the Bever brothers?
Robert Bever was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Michael Bever received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 38 years.
What was the role of Broken Arrow police?
The Broken Arrow police responded promptly to the 911 call, apprehending the brothers and uncovering their planned killing spree.
Are the Bever brothers serial killers?
Yes, Robert and Michael Bever are considered serial killers. While they murdered five family members in a single attack, their methodical planning and desire for infamy align with the characteristics of serial killing. Robert Bever, in particular, was obsessed with serial killers and aspired to gain fame through mass murder.
