Officer Betty Shelby charged with first degree manslaughter in the shooting death of Terence Crutcher

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Betty Shelby, the Tulsa officer who shot and killed Terence Crutcher has been charged with felony manslaughter.

Fatal shooting

The video of Terence Crutcher was released showing Crutcher unarmed, walking toward his vehicle with his hands up, before he was shot by Shelby.

The prosecutor filed the charges against officer Betty Shelby on Thursday,  six days after multiple cameras showed her shooting 40-year-old Terence Crutcher as he stood beside his stalled sport-utility vehicle. Moments earlier, cameras had captured Crutcher walking away from Shelby with his hands in the air.

“The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Crutcher are on the hearts and minds of many people in this community,” he said, according to NBC affiliate KJRH.

“It’s important to note that despite the heightened tensions felt by all, which seemingly beg for an emotional response and reaction, our community has consistently demonstrated the willingness to respect the judicial process.”

“I do not know why things happen in this world the way they do,” Kunzweiler added. “We need to pray for wisdom and guidance.”

Officer Betty Shelby charged

If convicted Shelby can face a minimum of four years in prison.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin released a statement saying she hopes the charges provide “some peace to the Crutcher family and the people of Tulsa.” The statement also urges the public to remain patient and remember that officer Shelby is innocent until proven guilty.

“No matter how you feel about the prosecutors’ decision in this case, I hope Oklahomans will respect the views of your friends and neighbors because we still have to live peacefully together as we try to make sense of the circumstances that led to Mr. Crutcher’s death,” the statement added.