Tulsa man arrested for strangling wife

Police say Willie Ricardo Escobar confessed to killing Karla Gramajo-Cabrera after an argument

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:55am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a twisted, broken necklace chain against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a domestic violence incident.A shattered symbol of domestic violence exposes the tragic consequences of unchecked abuse.Today in Tulsa

A 40-year-old Tulsa man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly confessed to strangling his 33-year-old wife, Karla Gramajo-Cabrera, and dumping her body. According to police, Willie Ricardo Escobar admitted to killing his wife after she insulted him during an argument.

Why it matters

Domestic violence and intimate partner homicides remain a serious issue in Tulsa and across Oklahoma, with the state ranking among the highest in the nation for women killed by men. This case highlights the need for greater resources and support to prevent these tragic incidents.

The details

Police say Escobar strangled Gramajo-Cabrera during an argument at their home. He then allegedly loaded her body into his vehicle and dumped it in a remote area outside the city. Escobar reportedly confessed to the crime after being questioned by detectives.

  • The incident occurred on April 12, 2026.
  • Escobar was arrested and charged on April 13, 2026.

The players

Willie Ricardo Escobar

A 40-year-old Tulsa resident who has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly strangling his wife.

Karla Gramajo-Cabrera

Escobar's 33-year-old wife, who was killed during a domestic dispute.

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What they’re saying

“Domestic violence is an ongoing crisis that we must continue to address through education, intervention, and support for victims and their families.”

— Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum

What’s next

Escobar is being held without bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 28, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and resources to combat domestic violence in the Tulsa community and across Oklahoma. Policymakers and community leaders must prioritize prevention, support services, and holding abusers accountable.