A Tulsa police officer is expected to plead not guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of an unarmed black man when she makes her first appearance before a Tulsa County judge.
Tulsa officer Betty Shelby is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday for the fatal shooting two weeks ago of 40-year-old Terence Crutcher. A judge is expected to inform Shelby of the charge against her and set a date for a preliminary hearing, where the court will decide if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Shelby’s attorney Scott Wood says his client will plead not guilty.
Prosecutors allege Shelby acted unreasonably when she shot Crutcher after she encountered his vehicle abandoned on the street.
Shelby, who is white, told investigators she feared for her life.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
This matter will be settled in the justice system–which is where it should be handled.
What a joke, she was scared for her life, with other officers around her. Officer Shelby or her true title: murderer shelby, should be put in a cell for life.
Shut up Steven you,er a sick ignorance pieces of shit.
The guy was high on PCP and was one foot away from getting back in his 2000 pound bullet. He was armed and dangerous.
I saw the whole tape. She is guilty whether by hook or crook. that is all