On the morning of 2/5/2024, two highway patrol officers stopped to check on a distraught man sitting along Interstate 40.

The man, Joseph Tyler Beck, dressed in shorts and a cartoon t-shirt, confessed to strangling a young woman to death in Edmond eight years prior.

Officer Preston Cox handcuffed Beck and took him to Edmond for questioning.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers found Joseph Tyler Beck sitting along the interstate, where he then began to confess. Photo: Oklahoma Highway Patrol

Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers found Joseph Tyler Beck sitting along the interstate, where he then began to confess. Photo: Oklahoma Highway Patrol

"I'm a murderer," Beck cried, speaking to the camera in the patrol car as the officers began the 30-minute drive from Oklahoma City to Edmond. Officer Cox attempted to calm him.

Minutes later, Beck sobbed, "I killed someone." He expressed remorse, repeatedly asking, "Why did I choose to do evil? Why did I kill someone?"

At the police station, Beck continued his confession, speaking with detectives for over three hours. He also wrote a statement, leading to a first-degree murder charge in the Oklahoma County District Court.

Beck was charged with murdering 19-year-old Jennifer Kyli Molloy on 5/10/2016, at her Edmond apartment. He was 20 years old at the time.

Police confirmed Beck's confession, now 29, with DNA evidence found under Molloy's fingernails, on her underwear, and on a cup in her apartment. Beck pleaded guilty in June, opting for a judge to decide his sentence.

On 17/9, Judge Cindy Truong sentenced Beck to life in prison without parole, expressing concern that he would kill again if released. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty.

Beck's defense attorney asked the judge to consider his mental health issues, suggesting a sentence of 40 to 45 years. Beck had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and paranoia.

The judge ordered Beck to receive mental health treatment in prison and promised to review the sentence after one year.

Joseph Tyler Beck is led into an Oklahoma County courtroom on 18/9/2025. Photo: The Oklahoman

Joseph Tyler Beck is led into an Oklahoma County courtroom on 18/9/2025. Photo: The Oklahoman

Molloy's case remained cold for years until Beck's confession. He stated that he first met Molloy in high school and that they had worked together at a fast-food restaurant. Beck said he was attracted to Molloy and wanted to have sex with her.

On 5/10/2016, Beck went to Molloy's apartment. They initially spent time listening to music, drinking, and smoking marijuana. However, Molloy rejected his sexual advances and told him another man was coming over, threatening to use a taser if he didn't leave.

Beck claimed he strangled Molloy until she was unconscious to stop her from screaming, then knelt on her neck to kill her and prevent her from reporting him.

In his roadside statement, Beck said he considered confessing immediately but instead fled the state. He also contemplated suicide. His attorney said Beck went to Interstate 40 on 2/5/2024 to jump off a bridge.

At his sentencing, Beck remained silent, even after hearing Molloy's family describe how their lives had been devastated.

"He doesn't deserve the opportunity to hurt anybody else," Molloy's father told the judge.

Tue Anh (according to The Oklahoman)