UPDATE (4/5/24)— A member of a white supremacist prison gang, Bennie Withrow from Tulsa, aged 38, has been handed a life sentence in prison for first-degree murder. The sentencing also includes an additional 10 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Withrow was found guilty in 2023 by a federal jury for the retaliatory killing of Dustin Tucker.
TULSA, Okla. — Following a seven-day trial, Benny Withrow, 37, a member of a white supremacist prison gang, has been convicted of first-degree murder in Indian Country and the discharge of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. This verdict was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson described the case as a planned act of gang retaliation aimed at protecting a fellow gang member.
Johnson stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s office remains committed to prosecuting gang operations and their leaders whenever the opportunity arises. I extend my gratitude to our law enforcement partners who diligently investigate criminal gang activities on a daily basis.”
During the trial, evidence presented revealed that on December 8, 2021, law enforcement intercepted the victim and his girlfriend after a drug transaction. Subsequently, the victim cooperated with authorities by disclosing the identity of the drug dealer. Despite the girlfriend’s warning to the dealer via text, law enforcement had already reached the dealer’s residence. Upon searching the premises, drugs were discovered, linking Withrow and the dealer to a white supremacist prison gang. Later that day, the girlfriend informed Withrow about the victim’s interaction with the authorities, to which Withrow responded affirmatively to “take care of things.”
On December 9, 2021, Withrow, along with another individual, picked up the victim and proceeded to Withrow’s residence. Plans were made to visit a casino, but en route, Withrow suggested a stop to consume drugs. Upon exiting the vehicle, Withrow fatally shot the victim multiple times.
“The criminal activities of organized prison gangs often transcend prison boundaries, introducing violence into communities across Oklahoma,” stated FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “The FBI, alongside our law enforcement counterparts, will persist in our efforts to disrupt and dismantle these gangs, thereby eliminating the most violent offenders from our streets.”
The victim’s body was discovered on December 20, 2021, near Prue, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Despite the defense’s attempt to persuade the jury that Withrow was not present during the incident and that another gang member could have been responsible for the murder, the jury remained unconvinced, ultimately finding Withrow guilty.
During the sentencing phase, Withrow could face life imprisonment.