Tulsa Police Release David Waldeck, No Charges Filed In Nephew's Death
Tulsa Police Release Man Arrested In Nephew's Death, No Charges Filed
A Tulsa Police homicide investigation has taken an unexpected turn after prosecutors announced no charges will be filed against a man initially arrested in connection with his nephew's death.
David Waldeck was taken into custody after officers found his 29-year-old nephew, Jason Waldeck, dead inside their Tulsa home on July 30. However, after additional forensic testing and findings from the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, investigators determined David Waldeck did not commit a crime and released him from jail on August 4.
Tulsa Police Investigation Changed Direction
According to Tulsa Police, officers responded to a home near Oklahoma Street and North Birmingham Place after Jason Waldeck was found deceased with what appeared to be a serious head injury.
During the initial investigation, officers located a wet hammer inside David Waldeck's bedroom. David also reportedly told investigators that no one else had been inside the home that day.
Based on the evidence available at the time, police arrested David Waldeck while detectives continued investigating the case.
As investigators gathered additional evidence, however, the case began to change.
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined that Jason Waldeck's head injury was not the cause of his death. At the same time, forensic testing conducted by the Tulsa Police Department Crime Laboratory concluded that the hammer recovered from the residence was not connected to Jason's injury.
Additional information about homicide investigations is available through the Tulsa Police Department.
David Waldeck Released Without Criminal Charges
Following the additional forensic findings, the Tulsa County District Attorney's Office announced that no criminal charges would be filed against David Waldeck.
Investigators now say they do not believe Jason Waldeck's death was a homicide, although the exact cause of the injury to his forehead remains undetermined.
David Waldeck was released from custody on August 4, five days after his arrest.
The decision brought relief to members of the Waldeck family, who consistently maintained David's innocence throughout the investigation.
Jason's aunt, Karen Lezamadeluna, said she never believed David was capable of violence, while Jason's mother, Marilyn Waldeck, said she hopes authorities acknowledge the emotional impact the arrest had on the family.
Information about criminal case procedures is available through the Tulsa County District Attorney's Office.
Family Preparing To Honor Jason Waldeck
Family members describe Jason Waldeck as kind, funny and always willing to help others.
Jason, who had special needs, lived with his uncle David, who also has special needs, next door to his mother in Tulsa. Marilyn Waldeck said the family regularly shared meals together and that Jason had been experiencing vomiting and other health issues in the days before his death.
Although investigators have ruled out homicide, Jason's family continues searching for answers about exactly what happened.
A Celebration of Life honoring Jason Waldeck is scheduled for August 29 in Tulsa.
The case serves as a reminder that homicide investigations can change significantly as forensic evidence develops. While the Tulsa Police Department initially made an arrest based on the evidence available, additional laboratory testing and medical findings ultimately changed the direction of the investigation, leading prosecutors to decline criminal charges. More information about forensic investigations in Oklahoma is available through the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
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