CHANDLER, OKLAHOMA: A newly elected judge in Oklahoma, Traci Soderstrom, is facing intense scrutiny after courtroom security video surfaced, revealing her repeatedly using her cellphone during a high-profile murder trial. The footage, obtained by The Oklahoman, shows Judge Soderstrom scrolling through social media, texting, and even searching for a GIF during crucial moments of the trial. The case involved 32-year-old Khristian Tyler Martzall, accused of the fatal beating of his then-girlfriend's two-year-old son, Braxton Danker.
Who is Traci Soderstorm?
Judge Traci Soderstrom, 50, took office in January, and this murder trial marked her first major case since being elected in November. Prior to the proceedings, she had instructed the jury members to turn off all electronic devices to "concentrate on the evidence without interruption." However, the security video captured her apparent disregard for her own instructions. Throughout jury selection, opening statements, and testimony, the video footage reveals Judge Soderstrom using her cell phone for extended periods, checking Facebook, messaging, and even searching for a GIF at one point. The actions took place during a trial that was emotionally charged, involving the death of a two-year-old child. The trial took place in Chandler, about 45 miles northeast of Oklahoma City.
After the trial concluded, Khristian Tyler Martzall was convicted of second-degree manslaughter for the death of Braxton Danker in 2018. Prosecutors had sought a first-degree murder conviction, but the outcome was different. According to The Oklahoman, this was Soderstrom's first case. She began the trial by instructing the jury members to turn off all electronic devices, a common courtroom protocol, so that they could "concentrate on the evidence without interruption." Soderstrom was sworn in on January 9 after being elected in November. Her four-year term expires in January 2027. With an extensive legal background, Judge Soderstrom has practiced everything from administrative court issues to criminal and juvenile law since becoming a lawyer in 2003, as she told Countywide & Sun last year.
Investigating judicial misconduct
Sheriff Charlie Dougherty provided the security video to the Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints following a request, as the council investigates allegations of judicial misconduct. Taylor Henderson, the council's director, explained that their investigations are conducted in secrecy, similar to grand jury proceedings. The council neither confirmed nor denied an ongoing investigation.
District Attorney Adam Panter expressed his dismay and concern over Judge Soderstrom's behavior during the trial. He stated, "It is both shocking and disappointing. Jurors are banned from using cellphones in the courtroom during trials because we expect them to give their full time and attention to the evidence being presented. I would expect and hope the court would hold itself to the same standard required of the jurors, regardless of the type of case."
Differing opinions
The security video reportedly shows Judge Soderstrom holding her cell phone in her lap or below the top of the judge's bench while texting or scrolling, or placing it in an open drawer.
However, while District Attorney Panter was alarmed by the judge's actions, defense attorney Velia Lopez expressed a contrasting opinion. Lopez praised Judge Soderstrom's conduct during the trial, stating she did an excellent job, and she never observed the judge using her cell phone. When asked for a comment, Judge Traci Soderstrom declined to speak to The Oklahoman, citing the possibility of an appeal in the case. She highlighted the restrictions placed on judges to discuss ongoing cases.
