Families ask Weatherford council to prioritize records release and independent audit in 1983 double murder

Relatives and advocates for victims of a 1983 double murder asked the Weatherford City Council to prioritize records release and to authorize an independent review of the case.

Jamie Snow read a statement on behalf of Raymond Tierina asking, "Where is our family's justice?" and saying his brother believed the sheriff's son had been involved; Snow urged transparency and accountability.

Lori Cates, speaking as a family advocate, said open-records requests for autopsy and police records have been repeatedly denied or withheld under claims of an ongoing investigation. "We're asking the council to direct the city manager to work with the city attorneys to prioritize the release of autopsy reports and the police report to the families," Cates said, and requested the council also authorize a third-party independent audit of the case, conducted by the state or the FBI if necessary.

Johnetta Smith (formerly Johnetta Cauliflower), who identified herself as the mother of one of the victims, urged the council to place a vote on the agenda at the next meeting for fresh review, saying she wanted "fresh eyes" on the investigation and that she no longer accepts the repeated reply "we're working on it." Smith said family members have received differing accounts of how the teens were killed and want clarity.

The speakers alleged evidence was not handled or processed properly at the time and said families have not received substantive updates in decades. The council did not take action during the public-comment period; the speakers requested the council add the matter to a future agenda and consider directing an independent review or records release.