In this episode of Crime Chat, we discuss one of the most disturbing family annihilation cases in recent U.S. history. The tragic and terrible crimes of Robert and Michael Bever.

We walk through the events leading up to the 2015 massacre in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where two teenage brothers carried out a brutal attack on their own family. We examine the timeline of the crime, the aftermath, and how the case shocked a community — not just because of the violence, but because of the ages of the perpetrators and the warning signs that appeared to go unnoticed.

Throughout the episode, we talk through what is known about the brothers’ background, reported influences, online activity, and the broader questions this case raises about radicalization, mental health, family dynamics, and accountability. We also discuss the legal outcomes and sentencing, including how the justice system handled the case given the ages of those involved.

This is a difficult case with no easy explanations. Our goal is not to sensationalize, but to understand how something so unthinkable could happen — and what, if anything, can be learned from it.

⚠️ Content Warning

This episode includes discussion of extreme violence, homicide, family annihilation, and crimes involving minors. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

All information discussed is based on publicly available reporting and court records. We do not speculate beyond what has been documented.

💬 Join the Conversation

This case raises difficult questions with no simple answers.

What do you think contributes most to cases like this — environment, ideology, mental health, or something else entirely?