Tulsa man charged with murdering wife, had history of domestic violence

Authorities say Willie Escobar strangled his wife Karla Gramajo-Cabrera after an argument, then hid her body under a mattress.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a twisted, crumpled piece of fabric or paper, lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of grit and investigation without depicting any actual violence or victims.A grim reminder of the devastating toll of domestic violence, this stark image captures the aftermath of a tragic crime.Today in Tulsa

A 40-year-old Tulsa man with a documented history of domestic violence has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder for allegedly strangling his 33-year-old wife Karla Gramajo-Cabrera after an argument. Escobar reportedly confessed to the crime and led police to where he had hidden Gramajo-Cabrera's body under a mattress near their home.

Why it matters

Domestic violence is a persistent issue in the Tulsa area, with local authorities and advocacy groups working to address the problem. This case highlights the tragic consequences when domestic abuse escalates to lethal violence, and underscores the need for stronger intervention and support systems to protect victims.

The details

According to investigators, Willie Escobar strangled his wife Karla Gramajo-Cabrera after an argument at their Tulsa home. Their 17-year-old son was inside the home at the time. Escobar then hid Gramajo-Cabrera's body under a mattress near their residence. Gramajo-Cabrera's family reported her missing, leading police to identify Escobar as a suspect. Officers arrested Escobar as he was leaving a mall with the couple's three children.

  • Gramajo-Cabrera was reported missing by her family.
  • Escobar was arrested as he was leaving a mall with the couple's children.

The players

Willie 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 allegedly murdered by Escobar.

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What’s next

Escobar is being held in jail and is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on the first-degree murder charge.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for stronger intervention and support systems to protect victims of domestic abuse before violence escalates to lethal levels. Community leaders and law enforcement must continue working to address this pervasive issue and prevent future tragedies.