University of Cincinnati Officer Charged in Fatal Traffic Stop Shooting

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University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing has been charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter for fatally shooting Samuel DuBose during a traffic stop.

Samuel DuBose: Bodycam Footage Contradicts Officer’s Account

On July 19, Tensing pulled over DuBose, 43, for a missing front license plate. When asked for his license, DuBose handed Tensing a bottle of gin and refused to exit the vehicle. As DuBose reached to unbuckle his seatbelt, the car moved slightly. Tensing immediately fired one shot, striking DuBose in the head.

Prosecutor Condemns the Shooting

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters announced the charges Wednesday and released police bodycam footage. He called the shooting “the most asinine act I’ve ever seen a police officer make.”

Tensing reportedly told dispatchers he fired because he was “almost run over.” He later claimed he was “dragged” by the vehicle. Prosecutors said the video disproves that claim.

Ray Tensing Faces Life in Prison

Tensing turned himself in Wednesday. If convicted, he faces life in prison. The city braced for protests as the footage circulated.