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.