Couple ‘beat Oklahoma woman to death with a crowbar then had sex in her bed while she died’
An Oklahoma couple was arrested for murder after they allegedly beat a woman to death with a crowbar and had sex in her bed while she was in the next room ‘struggling to live’.
Nicholas Johnson, 28, and Brinlee Denison, 25, were charged with first degree murder and larceny of an automobile in connection to the January 4 slaying of Sarah Maguire.
The suspects, who were arrested at a Whataburger in Arkansas, have allegedly confessed to killing Maguire, 29, with Johnson citing jealousy as his motive.
The 28-year-old accused killer claims he was in an ‘intimate relationship’ with Denison, who was also dating Maguire. According to KNWA, he was introduced to Maguire through Denison and ‘jealous of the relationship’ between them.
Both suspects are in custody at the Washington County Jail in Arkansas and being held on a $1 million bond for murder and an additional $10,000 for larceny. They will be extradited back to Oklahoma for a future court appearance.
Sarah Maguire, 29, (pictured) was found dead in her Tulsa home last Tuesday after having been beaten to death with a crowbar
Nicholas Johnson, 28, (left) and Brinlee Denison, 25, (right) were charged with first degree murder and larceny of an automobile in connection to Maguire’s slaying. The pair has reportedly confessed to her killing
Police were called to Maguire’s home in the 3800 block of S. 28th West Avenue around 5.06pm Tuesday for a requested welfare check.
Officers found the 29-year-old lying in her living room, unresponsive, after having suffered ‘blunt force trauma to her head and face,’ police reported. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigation revealed that her vehicle, some personal items and credit cards had also been stolen.
The stolen vehicle was ultimately found in Fayetteville, Arkansas with the suspects sleeping inside it.
Maguire’s car was ultimately found on Wednesday at a restaurant in Fayetteville, Arkansas with two people sleeping inside it.
Authorities read Denison and Johnson their Miranda rights and arrested them on complaints of larceny of an automobile and first-degree murder.
The couple allegedly confessed to beating Maguire on the head with a crowbar, fleeing the crime scene in her vehicle and using her credit cards to fund their trip.
During his confession, Johnson claimed Denison was with him during Maguire’s murder and had assisted in the planning of her slaying.
Denison and Johnson were arrested on Wednesday at a Whataburger in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The above picture shows officers responding to the restaurant for the arrest
Johnson claims he was killed Maguire (pictured) because he was jealous of her relationship with Denison, whom he was also having an ‘intimate relationship’ with. He beat Maguire to death with a crowbar and then had sex with Denison in the victim’s bed as she lay dying in the living room
He also accused Denison of assisting with the disposal of evidence, alleging she threw the clothes they wore during the murder out of the stolen vehicle as they fled the state.
Johnson also told police he and Denison ‘had sex in the victim’s bed after the murder,’ and ‘could still hear the victim in the living room struggling to live, while he was having sex with Denison in the bedroom.’
He added that he knew Maguire was not yet dead when he engaged in sexual activity with Denison.
Additionally, Johnson told authorities Denison was responsible for collecting valuables, including credit cards and various electronics, from Maguire’s home after the murder.
Denison is also accused of driving the majority of the way to Arkansas. She also used Maguire’s electronics and credit cards to transfer money into the pair’s own bank accounts when she wasn’t behind the wheel.
The victim’s sister, Jamie Maguire, posted a heartfelt tribute to Maguire on Facebook as their family navigates their loss.
Maguire’s sister posted a heartfelt tribute to Facebook saying their family is devastated by the ‘senseless act of violence,’ but ‘grateful’ the suspects will not ‘get away with this horrific act’
‘Our family has suffered a devastating blow this week. My sister Sarah has lost her life in a senseless act of violence,’ Jamie wrote on Wednesday.
‘Please keep our family in your prayers as we navigate through this time. Rest assured justice is being served and we owe our greatest debt of gratitude to the Tulsa Police Department.’
On Thursday, she added: ‘[The suspects] were arrested and are being charged with 1st degree murder, with no hopes of bonding out.’
‘We could not be more grateful that at least we don’t have to worry about them getting away with this horrific act. God is good all the time, even in the hard times.’
Maguire’s funeral is scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday afternoon, according to her obituary.
Maguire’s funeral is scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday afternoon. She leaves behind her beloved dog Chandler, that she referred to as her ‘baby,’ and several relatives including her parents, siblings and nieces and nephews
The 29-year-old loved softball, wood working, drawing and animals. Her loved ones said she ‘always had a project in progress’ and was constantly rescuing new pets.
She leaves behind her beloved dog Chandler, that she referred to as her ‘baby,’ and several relatives including her parents, siblings and nieces and nephews.
‘She had the biggest personality and a fiery spirit and always had a smile on her face,’ the obituary reads.
‘She was the champion for the underdog with the need to see the good in everyone. No matter what she did, she gave it her all and was not afraid of hard work.’
