Officer Ray Tensing Indicted On Murder Charge
Source: Wlwt.com
Cincinnati: Prosecutor Joe Deters said a grand jury has indicted University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing for murder in the death of Samual DuBose.
News conference in progress.
Officer's video- cam released.
University of Cincinnati main campus closed for the Day.
1: 20 p.m. UPDATE: "He purposely killed him." Prosecutor Joe Deters about UC officer Ray Tensing in Sam DuBose's shooting death. "He should never have been a police officer."
Deters says his office reviewed hundreds of police shootings. "This is without question a murder," Deters said.
Deters called Tensing's version of the events "nonsense. He said Tensing was not dragged, as he claimed in the police report, but fell backwards after he shot DuBose in the head.
Deters said holding back of shooting video was calculated move in part to ensure officer's story didn't change with the viewing.
Deters called stopping DuBose for a missing front license plate a "chicken crap stop."
Officers are out to arrest Tensing, Deters said. Tensing faces life in prison if convicted.
EARLIER STORY: University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing was indicted Wednesday on a murder charge for fatally shooting Samuel DuBose during a traffic stop July 19.
It’s the first time a police officer in the city has been charged with murder for killing someone while on duty. Tensing, 25, faces 15 years to life in prison if he’s convicted.
The decision came after 12 Hamilton County citizens reviewed evidence all day Monday as part of a grand jury investigation into the incident, which has put the city on edge and rekindled worries about the sometimes strained relationship between police and African-Americans in Cincinnati.
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What we know about Officer Tensing
UC’s campus shut down and classes were canceled Wednesday in anticipation of the announcement. Ohio Highway Patrol troopers were seen arriving on campus by late morning.
City officials say they also are taking no chances. Cincinnati police are preparing for possible protests and unrest, while Mayor John Cranley and other city officials are asking neighborhood activists to help keep the peace.
Tensing shot and killed DuBose, who is black, after stopping his car at Rice and Valencia streets in Mount Auburn for having a missing front license plate. The officer’s body camera captured video of the shooting that prosecutors say was crucial to the investigation.
Tensing is expected to be arrested today. He also was indicted on a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter as an option for jurors during trial.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters did not release the video recording from Tensing’s body camera, despite a national outcry to see what happened. He showed it to DuBose’s family first and is expected to release it soon after the indictment is announced.
Tensing’s attorney Stuart Mathews told The Enquirer Tuesday Tensing was in fear for his life before he fired the fatal shot and thought he was going to be run over. Dubose was buried Tuesday. Friends and family at his funeral described him as funny and the type of guy that lit up a room and that everyone loved.
Tensing has been a police officer for just over four years. Tensing joined the village of Greenhills police force part-time in April 2011. He’s been a full-time officer since March 2013. Tensing was hired full-time at UC in April 2014. He stayed on with the Greenhills police as a part-time officer through December.
Reporter Jason Williams contributed to this story.
I think we're uncovering some frightening issues about the American police force.
The % of psychological nutjob applicants must be very high these days. I mean - it's an almost impossible job. People are attracted by $ as it relates to job performance duties. This is why you can tell politicians are on the take - look at what is costs to mount a campaign juxtaposed to their over the table salary.
Cops aren't paid anywhere near enough to risk their lives every time they put on the uniform. Something else - unhealthy - is motivating them. That little guy looked like a schlemiel. Power issues. Maybe race issues. Not a good person to give authority and a gun.
Cops ARE paid enough and generally get to retire at twenty years with almost full salary and benefits. The only exception is there should be compensation designed to get cops live in the cities they serve.
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