TULSA, Oklahoma - The Tulsa County District Attorney Stephen Kunzweiler announced he charged Officer Betty Shelby with first-degree manslaughter in the death of Terence Crutcher.
Kunzweiler said a warrant has been issued for Shelby, a Tulsa police officer since 2011.
Kunzweiler said it's important to note that despite the heightened tension in the city over the shooting death of Terence Crutcher, the community has remained peaceful.
Courtrooms must be the source of justice, he said. He called for ministers to lend "guiding hands" to the public in the wake of the shooting.
Kunzweiler declined to answer questions following the announcement.
From the Oklahoma Supreme Court Network:
Homicide is manslaughter in the first degree in the following cases:
1. When perpetrated without a design to effect death by a person while engaged in the commission of a misdemeanor.
2. When perpetrated without a design to effect death, and in a heat of passion, but in a cruel and unusual manner, or by means of a dangerous weapon; unless it is committed under such circumstances as constitute excusable or justifiable homicide.
3. When perpetrated unnecessarily either while resisting an attempt by the person killed to commit a crime, or after such attempt shall have failed.
http://www.newson6.com/story/3316089...nty-courthouse
In my opinion, Manslaughter is the proper charge. I believe officer Shelby acted in the heat of passion because she observed a large, black man behaving strangely. Instead of making a proper assessment of the situation, she acted hastily without considering other options which resulted in the death of an innocent victim. :-(