Tulsa Teen Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2023 Murder of Jorge Santos

TULSA, Okla. — An 18-year-old has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the fatal shooting of a man outside a Tulsa-area restaurant in 2023.

Jose Cardona-Perez was just 16 years old when he shot and killed 23-year-old Jorge Santos during a confrontation outside a business near 61st and Garnett. The altercation, which escalated into gunfire, was captured on surveillance footage.

Two days after the deadly incident, Cardona-Perez was spotted at school wearing the same clothes he had on the night of the shooting—an observation that became a key piece of evidence in the investigation.

Following a trial, a Tulsa County jury found Cardona-Perez guilty of first-degree murder. The judge handed down a life sentence with the possibility of parole, meaning Cardona-Perez could become eligible for release in the future, but only under strict conditions.

Under Oklahoma’s “85% crime” statute, Cardona-Perez must serve at least 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. This law applies to serious violent offenses and is designed to ensure that those convicted serve the majority of their prison terms.

In addition to his sentence, court records indicate Cardona-Perez will receive credit for time already served and will have access to vocational and college education programs while incarcerated.

The case drew widespread attention not only due to the age of the perpetrator but also because of the brutal nature of the crime and its impact on the community.

The murder of Jorge Santos adds to a troubling list of violent crimes classified as “85% crimes” in Oklahoma—offenses that include robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill, and aggravated trafficking, among others.

As the legal process concludes for Cardona-Perez, the family of Jorge Santos continues to grieve the loss of their loved one, remembering him as a vibrant young man whose life was cut tragically short.