TULSA, OKLAHOMA – Denzil Austin Berryman, 38, will spend the next 17 and a half years behind bars for a horrifying attack on a woman in her own home. A federal jury convicted Berryman in January of aggravated sexual abuse and assault by strangulation in Indian country. U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill delivered the sentence today, ordering 210 months imprisonment, followed by a decade of supervised release. The court also mandated Berryman register as a sex offender upon his eventual release.
The brutal incident unfolded in June 2023, according to evidence presented at trial. Berryman, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, flew into a rage at his victim’s apartment after discovering candy she believed was a gift from another man. Testimony revealed a terrifying escalation of violence. Berryman didn’t just yell – he slapped the victim, forcibly shoved candy down her throat, and unleashed his fury on the apartment, punching a bedroom door and smashing electronics. Threats were even leveled against the victim’s pet cat.
The victim desperately called 911, but the situation didn’t immediately de-escalate. Berryman initially told responding officers he’d leave, but then stayed, breaking down in tears and apologizing. The victim, in a moment of misplaced hope, allowed him to re-enter the apartment. That’s when the nightmare truly began. Berryman forced the victim into her bedroom, where he sexually assaulted her. When she pleaded for him to stop, he began to strangle her.
The victim lost consciousness. When she awoke, the assault continued. The details, laid bare during the trial, paint a picture of callous brutality and utter disregard for human life. Judge Hill also ordered Berryman to pay $5,375 in restitution to the victim. It’s a small measure of justice for a trauma that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department jointly investigated the case, building a solid case against Berryman. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Stephen Scaife skillfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Berryman faced the consequences of his actions. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Grimy Times reminds readers that resources are available for survivors of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out for help. Information can be found at the Office on Violence Against Women: [link to resource]. This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of sexual violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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