A white police officer charged with manslaughter after fatally shooting an unarmed black man in Tulsa has pleaded not guilty.
Betty Shelby’s arraignment, which came two weeks to the day after Terence Crutcher died, was brief, though courthouse security was increased for it.
Shelby’s attorney actually tried having her first court appearance moved up a day, citing safety concerns and worry about professional protesters coming to town. That request was denied, but the Tulsa County Sheriff took the unusual step of limiting the number of reporters allowed into the courtroom.
Shelby entered the courthouse through a side door in the attached sheriff's offices and had a substantial buffer zone between her and reporters not in the courtroom.
In the course of five minutes, Shelby pleaded not guilty and the judge set a preliminary hearing for Nov. 29. Dario Solomon-Simmons, an attorney for Terence Crutcher’s family, said her plea was what they expected.
"Today was just a small — the first step toward the justice that we want for Terence and his family, and we look forward to the next court hearing and continuing to move forward in this process," Solomon-Simmons said.
When Shelby left the courthouse 15 minutes after entering, sheriff’s deputies and supporters walked between her and cameras, shielding her from view.
Prosecutors allege Shelby acted unreasonably when she shot Crutcher, who was standing by his SUV. Shelby told investigators she feared for her life.
The sheriff was prepared for protests. Two deputies were posted outside the courthouse, but they weren’t needed.
Neither prosecutors nor defense attorneys commented after the arraignment. If convicted, Shelby faces at least four years in prison.
