TULSA, Okla. – Elga Eugene Harper, 43, a Tulsa man with a history of homelessness, has been found guilty of a horrific crime that shocked the city: the kidnapping, sexual abuse, and brutal assault of a 72-year-old nun. The verdict comes after a retrial ordered by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals following a successful initial conviction and subsequent appeal.
Harper was convicted on multiple federal charges: Kidnapping in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced the verdict, marking a grim resolution to a case that stretched over two years.
The ordeal began in May 2022, when Harper appeared at the victim’s residence, a home he’d frequented for odd jobs. The victim, a woman dedicated to her faith, had previously paid Harper for minor repairs. On this occasion, he asked to use the restroom. After an extended absence, the victim discovered Harper naked in her bedroom, launching into a four-hour reign of terror. Testimony revealed Harper bound the nun, fashioned a noose, and subjected her to relentless physical and sexual abuse. He also ransacked the home, stealing possessions later recovered by police.
Harper’s initial conviction in February 2023 and subsequent sentencing in July were overturned after an August appeal. Tragically, the victim passed away while Harper awaited his retrial. The second trial, which commenced Monday, presented damning evidence, including the harrowing 911 call where the victim desperately pleaded for help, repeatedly identifying “Elga Harper” as her attacker. Jurors were also shown graphic body camera footage and photographs detailing the extent of the nun’s injuries – a stark testament to the violence she endured.
As a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Harper will remain in federal custody pending sentencing. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department spearheaded the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Nelson, Valeria Luster, and Kenneth Elmore leading the prosecution. The case highlights the vulnerability of even the most devout and the depravity of those who prey upon them.
The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on Harper’s sentencing. This conviction, while bringing a degree of closure, serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk in even the quietest corners of our communities. The details of this case are profoundly disturbing and underscore the need for continued vigilance and support for victims of violent crime.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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