University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing has been charged with murder in the death of 43-year-old Samuel DuBose. In a press conference held on Wednesday (July 29), Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters announced the charge, and a video of the stop was also released.
“This office has probably reviewed upwards of hundreds of police shootings, and this is the first time that we’ve thought this is without question a murder,” Deters said, according to The Washington Post.
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Tensing originally alleged that he had been dragged by DuBose’s vehicle, but the video of the incident proves otherwise. On July 19, Tensing shot DuBose in the head while he was still in his driver’s seat during a traffic stop. After inquiring about the whereabouts of his license, Tensing attempted to open DuBose’s car door, and fired his weapon after a brief struggle. Ahead of the release of the footage, the University of Cincinnati campus was shut down as officials prepared for the community’s reaction.
“Could you imagine the outrage you would have if this was your kid, if this was your brother, over a stop like this?” Deters said. “And he didn’t do anything violent towards the officer. He wasn’t dragging him. And he pulled out his gun and intentionally shot him in the head.”
DuBose was laid to rest on Tuesday (July 28). Tensing has reportedly turned himself in.