Dec 9, 2024 Story by: Editor
TULSA, Okla. (AP) — The Department of Justice announced Friday that it will not pursue federal civil rights charges against Betty Shelby, a former Tulsa police officer who shot and killed Terence Crutcher, an unarmed Black man, in September 2016.
DOJ Cites Insufficient Evidence
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores confirmed the closure of the investigation, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove Shelby willfully used unreasonable force during the fatal encounter.
“The Department of Justice devoted significant resources to this investigation to ensure that a thorough review was undertaken. Attorneys from both the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked closely with the FBI to examine the evidence and review applicable law,” Shores said in a statement.
Background on the Case
Shelby shot Crutcher, who was holding his hands above his head, after she alleged he was not following her commands and appeared to reach into his SUV. Crutcher was unarmed at the time. Shelby testified during her trial that she acted out of fear, believing Crutcher was reaching for a gun.
In May 2017, a Tulsa County jury acquitted Shelby of criminal charges in Crutcher’s death.
Family’s Reaction
Demario Solomon-Simmons, the attorney representing Crutcher’s family, expressed disappointment with the DOJ’s decision but said it was unsurprising.
“We’re disappointed, but unfortunately we’re not surprised,” Solomon-Simmons said. “The number one reason is that the system is set up to protect officers like Betty Shelby. The standard (of proof) is so high, it’s the highest standard in the legal system, to prove that someone willfully and intentionally violated someone else’s civil rights.”
Crutcher’s family has filed a federal lawsuit against both Shelby and the City of Tulsa, which remains pending in court.
Thorough Review of Evidence
According to Shores, a team consisting of seasoned prosecutors and FBI agents meticulously reviewed all available evidence, including enhanced video footage of the shooting. The investigation sought to determine if Shelby acted with “deliberate and specific intent” to violate federal law, a requirement for pursuing charges in such cases.
“Any allegation of law enforcement misconduct and willful deprivation of civil rights is taken seriously,” Shores emphasized. “However, the evidence in this case did not support pursuing criminal prosecution.”
Broader Implications
Crutcher’s death was one of several high-profile cases of police-involved shootings that fueled the Black Lives Matter movement and intensified calls for greater police accountability.
While the DOJ’s decision concludes its investigation, the ongoing lawsuit filed by Crutcher’s family ensures that the case remains a significant point of discussion in the fight for justice and accountability in officer-involved shootings. Source: Mid-Michigan
