TULSA, Okla. — The family of a Glenpool woman who died in May says her newly-released autopsy report confirms she suffered multiple injuries believed to be consistent with domestic assault. Her death is classified as a homicide.

Erica Evans was a mom of three children, who was deeply loved by her family and the community.

Her body was found in Bird Creek located in north Tulsa on May 30, 2022.

Initially, investigators believed Evans had jumped in the water and hit her head on a rock, became unresponsive and drowned.

Her husband, Michael Jimenez, had a history of domestic violence. He was charged in 2017 with domestic assault and spent three years in jail.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office both opened an investigation into Evans’ death.

Jimenez was arrested on June 1 for Murder in the First Degree. The court date for Jimenez’s Preliminary Hearing is Oct. 12.

Early in the investigation, the Medical Examiner [ME] found Evans had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, along with other injuries consistent with domestic assault.

On Sept. 21, the ME released the complete autopsy results for Evans.

The External Examination describes Evans’ blonde hair, as “caked with sand.”

A Postmortem x-ray indicated more beneath the surface. “Multiple left rib fractures,” and “Lateral displacement left patella.”

The autopsy report revealed evidence of recent injuries. Numerous blunt impact injuries were found on her head, neck, face, chest, and upper and lower abdomen. Multiple hemorrhages and abrasions were also located on her body.

The autopsy determined the cause of death was multiple impact injuries and the manner of death is classified as a homicide.

Evans’ brother, Kenneth Steffens, said that the injuries to his sister were so bad, the family had to have a closed casket funeral. Steffens responded to the ME findings.

“We were at least somewhat aware of the extent of Erica’s injuries that led to her passing. However, seeing those wounds written out in such stark and plain language, is heartbreaking,” said Steffens. “The brutality of the violence that was visited upon Erica wrenches at us nightly. The family struggles to go on with the day-to-day and somehow with grace we do so. We hope; no we expect, that justice is forthcoming and that no one else ever needs to suffer as Erica did.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic or sexual violence and need help or support, please call Domestic Intervention Violence Services [DVIS] at, 918.7HELP.ME (918.743.5763)

You can also text SAFE to 207-777 to communicate with a DVIS employee daily between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 a.m.

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