Michael Bever
Familicide and Mass Stabbing
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
TIME PERIOD
July 22, 2015
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
On July 22, 2015, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, brothers Robert and Michael Bever committed a mass stabbing that resulted in the deaths of five family members, including their parents and three siblings. The incident, known as the Bever family massacre, occurred at their residence located at 709 Magnolia Court. Daniel Bever, age 12, managed to call 9-1-1 during the attack, which ultimately led to the identification of the assailants as Robert (18) and Michael (16) Bever. Both were arrested and charged with five counts of first-degree murder; Robert received six consecutive life sentences without parole, while Michael was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences with the possibility of parole plus an additional 28 years. The investigation revealed that the brothers sought notoriety and planned further violent acts following the familicide.
The Bever brothers were motivated by a desire for fame and aimed to outdo historical mass murders, with plans to carry out a mass shooting following the familicide. The brutal nature of the crime and the age of the perpetrators have led to speculation about potential mental health issues and the influence of violent media on their actions. Some community members believe that the brothers' actions were premeditated and indicative of deeper psychological problems within the family dynamic.
The Broken Arrow Murders: A Night of Horror
A Tragic Night in Oklahoma
On the night of July 22, 2015, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, witnessed an unthinkable tragedy that would haunt the community for years to come. In a quiet suburban home, a horrific familicide unfolded, leaving five family members dead and one critically injured. The perpetrators were none other than two of the family's own: Robert Bever, 18, and his younger brother Michael Bever, 16. This brutal mass stabbing would become the deadliest crime in Broken Arrow until a murder-suicide in October 2022 claimed eight lives.
The Bever Brothers' Dark Ambitions
Robert Davis Bever, born September 17, 1996, and his brother Michael John Bever, born November 4, 1998, were homeschooled in Broken Arrow, a fact that neighbors noted as they rarely interacted with others. The Bever household was shrouded in secrecy, with little known about the family until the tragic events unfolded. Robert and Michael harbored a chilling motive: a desire for notoriety, aiming to surpass the infamy of historical mass murders like the Columbine High School massacre and the Aurora theater shooting. They had plans to continue their killing spree beyond their family, intending to become infamous serial killers with a body count of up to 500.
A Carefully Orchestrated Plan
The brothers meticulously prepared for their grim mission. They acquired an arsenal of weapons, including knives, a hatchet, darts, and a surgical blade. Robert, who worked at MicahTek, Inc., channeled his earnings into buying body armor, knives, and other gear. He learned how to order guns, with ammunition scheduled for delivery the day after the planned massacre.
On the fateful night, 12-year-old Daniel Bever made a desperate 9-1-1 call, alerting authorities to the attack. Screams and commotion echoed in the background before the line went silent. The police rushed to 709 Magnolia Court, where they found blood on the porch and forced entry into the home. Inside, they discovered 13-year-old Crystal Bever, wounded but alive, amid the tragic scene.
The Grisly Aftermath
The crime scene was a macabre tableau of violence. David Bever, 54, was found with 28 stab wounds. April Bever, 45, had suffered over 48 wounds. Daniel, the brave caller, was killed with 21 stab wounds. Christopher Bever, 7, and Victoria Bever, 5, were also brutally murdered with multiple stab wounds. Crystal survived but was critically injured, her throat slit and her body stabbed multiple times.
The brothers fled through the back door but were swiftly apprehended by police with the help of a K9 unit. They were found hiding beneath a bush, Robert armed with a knife. Upon arrest, one of the brothers revealed that their plans were stored on a flash drive inside the home, later recovered by investigators along with computer equipment and surveillance cameras.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of assault and battery with intent to kill, the brothers faced the harsh reality of their actions. Robert Bever pleaded guilty to all charges and received six consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Michael, tried as an adult, was found guilty and sentenced to five consecutive life sentences, plus an additional 28 years, also without parole.
Despite the severity of their crimes, the Bevers showed no remorse. During the investigation, Robert attempted suicide in jail but was thwarted by detention officers. In 2019, he attacked prison officers, resulting in three additional life sentences.
The Aftermath of the Bever Family Home
The Bever family home, now a notorious crime scene, stood vacant, its walls stripped to the studs due to biohazard concerns. Dubbed "Broken Arrow's Amityville Horror House," it attracted dark tourism and vandals. The city of Broken Arrow, hoping to transform the tragedy into a memorial, raised funds to purchase the property. In March 2017, the house was destroyed by fire, and by 2019, a memorial park named Reflection Park was dedicated on the site.
Cultural Impact
The Bever case drew national attention and was featured in several true crime programs, including "Killer Siblings: Bever" on Dateline and an episode on HLN's "Lies, Crimes & Video."
The Broken Arrow murders remain a chilling reminder of the horrors that can lie hidden behind closed doors. The Bever brothers' quest for infamy led to an unspeakable tragedy that shattered a family and a community.
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Bever Family Massacre
Robert and Michael Bever murder their parents and three siblings in a mass stabbing.
911 Call Made
12-year-old Daniel Bever calls 911, alerting authorities to the attack before being killed.
Arrests Made
Robert and Michael Bever are apprehended by police shortly after the murders.
Murder Charges Filed
Robert and Michael Bever are charged with five counts of first-degree murder.
Robert Pleads Guilty
Robert Bever pleads guilty to all charges and is sentenced to life without parole.
Michael Found Guilty
Michael Bever is found guilty of all charges in the murder of his family.
Michael Sentenced
Michael Bever is sentenced to five life sentences without parole.
Reflection Park Dedicated
Reflection Park is dedicated where the Bever family home once stood.
Additional Sentences for Robert
Robert Bever is sentenced to three additional life terms for a prison assault.
On July 22, 2015, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, brothers Robert and Michael Bever committed a mass stabbing that resulted in the deaths of five family members, including their parents and three siblings. The incident, known as the Bever family massacre, occurred at their residence located at 709 Magnolia Court. Daniel Bever, age 12, managed to call 9-1-1 during the attack, which ultimately led to the identification of the assailants as Robert (18) and Michael (16) Bever. Both were arrested and charged with five counts of first-degree murder; Robert received six consecutive life sentences without parole, while Michael was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences with the possibility of parole plus an additional 28 years. The investigation revealed that the brothers sought notoriety and planned further violent acts following the familicide.
The Bever brothers were motivated by a desire for fame and aimed to outdo historical mass murders, with plans to carry out a mass shooting following the familicide. The brutal nature of the crime and the age of the perpetrators have led to speculation about potential mental health issues and the influence of violent media on their actions. Some community members believe that the brothers' actions were premeditated and indicative of deeper psychological problems within the family dynamic.
The Broken Arrow Murders: A Night of Horror
A Tragic Night in Oklahoma
On the night of July 22, 2015, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, witnessed an unthinkable tragedy that would haunt the community for years to come. In a quiet suburban home, a horrific familicide unfolded, leaving five family members dead and one critically injured. The perpetrators were none other than two of the family's own: Robert Bever, 18, and his younger brother Michael Bever, 16. This brutal mass stabbing would become the deadliest crime in Broken Arrow until a murder-suicide in October 2022 claimed eight lives.
The Bever Brothers' Dark Ambitions
Robert Davis Bever, born September 17, 1996, and his brother Michael John Bever, born November 4, 1998, were homeschooled in Broken Arrow, a fact that neighbors noted as they rarely interacted with others. The Bever household was shrouded in secrecy, with little known about the family until the tragic events unfolded. Robert and Michael harbored a chilling motive: a desire for notoriety, aiming to surpass the infamy of historical mass murders like the Columbine High School massacre and the Aurora theater shooting. They had plans to continue their killing spree beyond their family, intending to become infamous serial killers with a body count of up to 500.
A Carefully Orchestrated Plan
The brothers meticulously prepared for their grim mission. They acquired an arsenal of weapons, including knives, a hatchet, darts, and a surgical blade. Robert, who worked at MicahTek, Inc., channeled his earnings into buying body armor, knives, and other gear. He learned how to order guns, with ammunition scheduled for delivery the day after the planned massacre.
On the fateful night, 12-year-old Daniel Bever made a desperate 9-1-1 call, alerting authorities to the attack. Screams and commotion echoed in the background before the line went silent. The police rushed to 709 Magnolia Court, where they found blood on the porch and forced entry into the home. Inside, they discovered 13-year-old Crystal Bever, wounded but alive, amid the tragic scene.
The Grisly Aftermath
The crime scene was a macabre tableau of violence. David Bever, 54, was found with 28 stab wounds. April Bever, 45, had suffered over 48 wounds. Daniel, the brave caller, was killed with 21 stab wounds. Christopher Bever, 7, and Victoria Bever, 5, were also brutally murdered with multiple stab wounds. Crystal survived but was critically injured, her throat slit and her body stabbed multiple times.
The brothers fled through the back door but were swiftly apprehended by police with the help of a K9 unit. They were found hiding beneath a bush, Robert armed with a knife. Upon arrest, one of the brothers revealed that their plans were stored on a flash drive inside the home, later recovered by investigators along with computer equipment and surveillance cameras.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Charged with five counts of first-degree murder and one count of assault and battery with intent to kill, the brothers faced the harsh reality of their actions. Robert Bever pleaded guilty to all charges and received six consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Michael, tried as an adult, was found guilty and sentenced to five consecutive life sentences, plus an additional 28 years, also without parole.
Despite the severity of their crimes, the Bevers showed no remorse. During the investigation, Robert attempted suicide in jail but was thwarted by detention officers. In 2019, he attacked prison officers, resulting in three additional life sentences.
The Aftermath of the Bever Family Home
The Bever family home, now a notorious crime scene, stood vacant, its walls stripped to the studs due to biohazard concerns. Dubbed "Broken Arrow's Amityville Horror House," it attracted dark tourism and vandals. The city of Broken Arrow, hoping to transform the tragedy into a memorial, raised funds to purchase the property. In March 2017, the house was destroyed by fire, and by 2019, a memorial park named Reflection Park was dedicated on the site.
Cultural Impact
The Bever case drew national attention and was featured in several true crime programs, including "Killer Siblings: Bever" on Dateline and an episode on HLN's "Lies, Crimes & Video."
The Broken Arrow murders remain a chilling reminder of the horrors that can lie hidden behind closed doors. The Bever brothers' quest for infamy led to an unspeakable tragedy that shattered a family and a community.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Bever Family Massacre
Robert and Michael Bever murder their parents and three siblings in a mass stabbing.
911 Call Made
12-year-old Daniel Bever calls 911, alerting authorities to the attack before being killed.
Arrests Made
Robert and Michael Bever are apprehended by police shortly after the murders.
Murder Charges Filed
Robert and Michael Bever are charged with five counts of first-degree murder.
Robert Pleads Guilty
Robert Bever pleads guilty to all charges and is sentenced to life without parole.
Michael Found Guilty
Michael Bever is found guilty of all charges in the murder of his family.
Michael Sentenced
Michael Bever is sentenced to five life sentences without parole.
Reflection Park Dedicated
Reflection Park is dedicated where the Bever family home once stood.
Additional Sentences for Robert
Robert Bever is sentenced to three additional life terms for a prison assault.