An Ohio police officer has been indicted on murder charges after he fatally shot a black driver during a traffic stop.
The bodycam footage shows University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing, 25, stopping Samuel DuBose. After Dubose failed to produce his driver’s license, Tensing attempted to physically remove him from the vehicle. In the ensuing altercation Tensing fired a single shot that killed DuBose.
“It’s an absolute tragedy that anyone would behave in this manner,” said Hamlton County Prosecutor Joe Deters. “It was senseless. It’s just horrible. He purposefully killed him.”
The strong allegations come after 12 Hamilton County citizens poured over the available evidence Monday as part of a grand jury investigation into the shooting.
“He wasn’t dealing with someone wanted for murder,” said Deters. He was dealing with someone with ah front license plate – chicken crap stuff. Some people want to believe Mr. DuBose did something violent towards the officer. He did not. He did not at all.”
The city has been under constant scrutiny after the 2001 shooting of an unarmed black man, and while local officials anticipate a degree of unrest, they’re optimistic that the ensuing protests will be peaceful.
DuBose’s family grieves over the unjust shooting, but are thankful that the justice system is working as intended.
“I am pleased we will get some kind of justice,” said Terina Allen, DeBose’s sister. “I’m so thankful that everything was uncovered. Everything is being revealed.”
Officer Tensing was later arrested and charged with murder and now faces life in prison.
(This article was a submission from freelance writer Brent Rogers)