OKLAHOMA CITY — Nearly nine years after the killing of 19-year-old Edmond resident Kyli Molloy, the man who confessed to her murder has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Joseph Tyler Beck, 29, received the sentence Thursday in Oklahoma County District Court after entering a blind plea of guilty in June to first-degree murder.
Molloy was found dead Oct. 5, 2016, in her Edmond apartment. Despite what investigators described as years of exhaustive work, the case remained unsolved until May 3, 2024, when an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper stopped Beck along the interstate.
During that encounter, Beck confessed to killing Molloy, leading to his immediate arrest. He was formally charged 10 days later.
District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna praised law enforcement and prosecutors who worked the case in a news release.
“Often, justice takes time, but today we honor Kyli’s memory and recognize the profound loss felt by those who loved her,” Behenna said. “This case is a powerful reminder of the tireless work of law enforcement and prosecutors who never give up seeking justice for victims.”
Beck will serve his sentence in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
