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University of Cincinnati Officer Ray Tensing fatally shot Samuel DuBose on July 19, 2015, during a traffic stop.(Photo: Provided via The Cincinnati Enquirer)
CINCINNATI<span style="color: Red;">*</span>— A University of Cincinnati police officer was indicted Wednesday on a murder charge for fatally shooting a motorist during a traffic stop July 19.
It’s the first time a police officer in Cincinnati has been charged with murder for killing someone while on duty. Ray Tensing, 25, faces 15 years to life in prison if he’s convicted.
The decision came after 12 Hamilton County, Ohio, 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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The University of Cincinnati shut down its campus and canceled classes Wednesday morning in anticipation of the announcement.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Ohio Highway Patrol troopers were seen arriving on campus by late morning.
"He purposely killed him," said Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters. "He should never have been a police officer."
Deters said his office reviewed hundreds of police shootings. "This is without question murder," he said.
Tensing shot and killed Samuel DuBose, who is black, after stopping his car in Mount Auburn for having a missing front license plate on July 19. The officer’s body camera captured video of the shooting that prosecutors say was crucial to the investigation.
A sign with a picture of Samuel Dubose at the visitation Tuesday.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>(Photo: The Enquirer/Patrick Brennan)
The video reviewed by The Cincinnati<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Enquirer indicates DuBose, 43, was shot to death after a calm exchange. There was no violence or physical altercation shown, and DuBose does not appear to be belligerent or aggressive toward the officer.
It appeared DuBose's vehicle starts to move only after the shot is fired. This is significant because Tensing told authorities he had been dragged by the vehicle.
Tensing is expected to be arrested Wednesday. He also was indicted on a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter as an option for jurors during trial.
After the shooting, University of Cincinnati<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Police Chief Jason Goodrich had said Tensing spotted DuBose driving without a front license plate near the campus and followed him about a half-mile.
Tensing asked for a driver’s license, which DuBose couldn’t produce. He gave the officer an unopened bottle of alcohol instead, Goodrich said.
The two men struggled at the door of the car, and Tensing fired once, fatally striking DuBose in the head, Goodrich said. The car traveled a block farther before coming to a rest on the narrow sidewalk, authorities said.
Many in the community had questioned that version of events.
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Deters called Tensing's version of the events "nonsense."<span style="color: Red;">*</span>He said Tensing was not dragged, as he claimed in the police report, but fell backwards after he shot DuBose in the head.
Deters called stopping DuBose for a missing front license plate a "chicken crap stop.
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.
Deters said holding back showing the shooting video was a calculated move in part to ensure the officer's story didn't change with the viewing.
Tensing’s attorney Stuart Mathews said<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Tuesday that 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.
The attorney for the DuBose family called on residents to remain calm.
"We do not want violence," said Mark O'Mara. "We really want any reaction to maintain the integrity of who Sam was. Cincinnati is showing the rest of us how to do this right."
Tensing has been a police officer for just more than 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 the University of Cincinnati in April 2014. He stayed on with the Greenhills police as a part-time officer through December.
INTERACTION CAUGHT ON VIDEO
Tensing asked for DuBose's driver's license.
DuBose tells him he has a license. “You can run my name,” he said.
“Be honest,” Tensing says, suggesting DuBose’s license might be suspended.
Tensing asks DuBose where he lives.
“Right around the corner,” DuBose said.
“Go ahead and take your seatbelt off,” Tensing said.
“I didn’t even do nothing,” Dubose said.
DuBose leans toward the passenger seat.
Without a word, Tensing fires a single shot.
DuBose slumps into the passenger seat.
The car rolls a short distance, stopping at the corner.
Tensing runs after the car.
He looks inside, where DuBose is dead.
Then Tensing said, “I think I’m OK. I’m OK, he was dragging me. I thought I was going to get run over.”
The video does not indicate Tensing was dragged.
Contributing: Jason Williams, The Cincinnati Enquirer.
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