Victims Feel ‘Cheated Of Justice’ As Woman Convicted Of Killing 5 Could Be Released

Kimberley Graham, who was convicted of killing five people in a DUI hit-and-run crash, could be released from prison as early as next week.

A jury had sentenced her to 107 years, and she has served 12 so far. The families of the victims feel they are being cheated out of justice following the Supreme Court ruling on tribal jurisdiction.

"If nothing happens, then do they matter? Does what happened matter?" asked Kyle Willis. For 13 years, Willis has lived without his parents Ronny and DeAnna, ever since they were run over by a drunk driver.

"[DeAnna] was funny, outgoing, popular, everybody loved her. Ronny was, well he dealt with my mother so that was a plus," Willis laughed. 

Ronny and Deanna were two of the five people killed by Graham. She was convicted of DUI manslaughter and sentenced to life. 

"Your life changes in a moment and you're not ready for any of that stuff yet," Willis said. 

Graham argued that because she's 1/16th Cherokee, she should have never been tried by the state.

If she is released, federal prosecutors likely cannot file the case, because their statute of limitations has expired. However, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma said there is a possibility they could prosecute the case under a second-degree murder charge. 

Tribal courts could also prosecute the case, but they have a one to three-year sentencing limit for major crimes. 

Willis said victims are confused and frustrated.

"It's like we just don't matter, like it's not important enough to fight for, and it's not an important enough to listen to," Willis said. 

"I love this state and I am seeing it literally get shredded apart, now is the time for action," Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said.

Kunzweiler said political leaders need to do something to help victims. 

"So [I'm] mostly concerned about victims and whether they're Native American or otherwise they deserve to have their day in court, and I'm afraid a lot of them are not going to get their day in court," Kunzweiler said. 

Willis said he is not mad about the ruling itself but wants people to know victims are falling through the cracks.

"People should listen, research, and see what this is really doing, and how it affects you - it affects every person in Oklahoma," Willis said. 

Willis, along with several other victims affected by the ruling, will be holding a protest Wednesday night at LaFortune Park's tennis courts. 

Kunzweiler will also be holding a townhall meeting to answer questions at the LaFortune community center from 6 – 7 p.m. Wednesday.