In December of 2021, the life of 31-year-old Dustin Michael Tucker of Prue, Oklahoma, was tragically cut short in a field in Osage County. A father of three boys, Tucker was a man who loved the outdoors, often spending his time fishing, hunting, and camping. Those who knew him remember his passion for loud music, dancing, and the time he spent with friends and family.
He had worked as a valve body specialist and more recently as a tree trimmer.
The series of events that led to his death began when Tucker and his girlfriend purchased methamphetamine from a drug dealer associated with the Universal Aryan Brotherhood, a prison gang. Shortly after, they were pulled over by Tulsa Police. During the traffic stop, officers discovered the methamphetamine and a firearm. It was during this stop that Tucker informed the officers of the source of the drugs.
Following their release, a search warrant was executed at the drug dealer's residence. Tucker's girlfriend attempted to warn the dealer, but police were already on the scene. She then contacted Bennie Frank Withrow, IV, a member of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood, and informed him of the situation. Later that evening, under the pretense of going to a casino with another friend, Withrow drove with Tucker. On the way, Withrow suggested they pull over to use drugs. Once they were out of the vehicle, Withrow shot Tucker multiple times and left him to die in the field. His body was discovered several days later.
The investigation into Tucker's murder, a collaborative effort by the FBI, Tulsa Police Department, Osage County Sheriff’s Office, and Osage Nation Police Department, led to the arrest of Bennie Frank Withrow, IV. Investigators learned that Withrow had bragged to at least two people about killing Tucker in retaliation for him speaking to the police. In July 2023, a federal jury found Withrow guilty of first-degree murder in Indian Country and carrying, using, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In April 2024, the 38-year-old Tulsa man was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 10 years, followed by five years of supervised release.
