Pleads not guilty
Former University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing pleads not guilty to charges of murder and voluntary manslaughter. His attorney, Stew Mathews, says that no matter what the body camera seems to show, he is convinced that his client was genuinely scared for his life when the shooting occured.
The guy jams the keys in the ignition. Turns the car on, jams it (into) drive and mashes the accelerator. He wasn’t slowly pulling away. (Tensing) feared for his life. He thought he was going to be sucked under the car that was pulling away from him. He thought he was going to get sucked under and killed.
Released on $1 million bond
Tensing pleads not guilty in court and is released on bond. Judge Shanahan set;s Tensing’s bond at $1 million. Tensing has his head bowed, eyes closed and does not look at anyone in the court. Tensing’s father and other family members are in the courtroom during the arraignment. When Shanahan sets the high bond, applause breaks out in the courtroom, and she admonishes the attendees. Tensing’s lawyer says he would do his best to raise the money to get his client out of jail and Tensing leaves the Hamilton County jail eight hours later after spending the night behind bars.
Turns himself in
Tensing turns himself in to the Hamilton County Courthouse. Tensing’s Lawyer criticized Joe Deters’ announcement, saying he believes his client “has been thrown under the bus,” and that “what Deters’ said was a disgrace” to Cincinnati law enforcement.
Tensing just arrived at courthouse with lawyer @wcpo pic.twitter.com/fiUtoNtWGe
— Tony Mirones (@TMirones) July 29, 2015
Murder charge
Tensing is charged by grand jury indicted with murder and voluntary manslaughter. If convicted, Tensing faces a sentence of at least 15 years and as much as life in prison on the murder charge and as much as 11 years on the manslaughter charge. Prosecutor Deters said he would seek life in prison for Tensing:
Can you imagine the outrage you would have if this was your kid, or this was your brother? This guy didn’t deserve to be tased, and he certainly didn’t deserve to be shot in the head. This is the most asinine act I’ve ever seen a police officer make. It was unwarranted. It’s an absolute tragedy that, in the year 2015, anyone would behave in this manner…He wasn’t dealing with someone who was wanted for murder. He was dealing for someone who was wanted for not having a front license plate.
Tases motorist
Tensing uses a Taser on a motorist during a traffic stop in Greenhills. The officer claims the driver, who is not identified, is resisting arrest. It is not known why Tensing stopped the motorist nor his race. Another driver who is a witness:
Officer had suspect at the side of his car. Suspect started hitting officer and trying to get away. I stopped to help officer and grabbed suspect’s leg. Suspect continued to fight. Officer told him to stop or he would get Tazed. Suspect continued to fight so officer Tazed him and took him into custody.
Tensing reports that he received bruising and cuts to his right index and middle fingers during the struggle.