Oklahoma Judge Under Fire for Inappropriate Texting During Murder Trial

In a concerning turn of events, an Oklahoma judge’s actions during a murder trial have come under severe scrutiny, leading to potential repercussions for her position on the bench. Lincoln County District Judge Traci Soderstrom is facing possible removal from her judicial role after it was revealed that she sent over 500 text messages to her bailiff during the trial. These messages not only mocked the prosecutor but also praised the defense attorney and disparaged a key witness.

Chief Justice John Kane IV of the Oklahoma Supreme Court recommended the removal of Judge Soderstrom following an investigation conducted by the state’s Council on Judicial Complaints. The matter first came to public attention in July when Soderstrom was captured on camera scrolling through social media and texting during the trial of a man accused of the fatal beating of a 2-year-old.

Soderstrom, who took office on January 9 after her election in November, was suspended with pay while awaiting a hearing by the Court on the Judiciary. This hearing will ultimately determine whether she should be removed from her position.

Chief Justice Kane’s court filing pointed out that Soderstrom’s pattern of conduct indicated a “gross neglect of duty, gross partiality, and oppression.” It further raised concerns about her temperament to serve as a judge. These allegations cast a shadow on her ability to perform her duties impartially and responsibly.

Some of the texts exchanged by Judge Soderstrom during the trial included comments about the prosecutor “sweating through his coat” during jury selection and questions about his physical appearance, such as “why does he have baby hands?” The texts also revealed her admiration for the defense attorney, going as far as asking, “can I clap for her?” during the attorney’s opening arguments.

Additionally, Soderstrom’s texts contained unprofessional and offensive content, including a laughing emoji icon sent to the bailiff, who had made a crude reference to the prosecuting attorneys. This conduct was certainly unbecoming of a judicial officer.

The case that unfolded in Soderstrom’s courtroom concluded with the conviction of the defendant, Khristian Tyler Martzall, on second-degree manslaughter charges in the 2018 death of Braxton Danker, the son of Martzall’s girlfriend. Martzall’s girlfriend, Judith Danker, who pleaded guilty to enabling child abuse and was sentenced to 25 years, was a key prosecution witness. However, Soderstrom labeled her as a liar during her testimony, expressing doubts about the case.

Soderstrom’s texts also contained questionable remarks about jurors, witnesses, and a police officer who testified. In response to questioning by the Council on Judicial Complaints, Soderstrom admitted that her texting was inappropriate and should have been avoided. She claimed that she found the comments funny at the time.

Security camera footage, as reported by The Oklahoman newspaper, depicted Soderstrom texting or messaging for extended periods during jury selection, opening statements, and testimony, clearly raising concerns about her dedication to her role as a judge.

Chief Justice Kane’s petition for Soderstrom’s removal cited additional instances where she had criticized other attorneys and prosecutors and berated a courthouse staff member, further fueling the case for her removal from the bench.

Soderstrom’s four-year term as a judge is set to end in January 2027. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and impartiality in the judicial system and the consequences that may result when such standards are not upheld.