Prosecutors to retry former cop in the shooting death of a Black Ohio motorist

(NorthStarNews Today) — Hamilton County, Ohio, prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced on Tuesday that he will retry former University of Cincinnati police officer Raymond Tensing for last year’s shooting death of Samuel Dubose after a mostly white jury failed to reach a verdict leading to a mistrial.

Tensing shot Dubose, a 44-year-old Black motorist, in the head following a traffic stop on July 19, 2015. Deters charged Tensing, who is white, with one count of felony murder and one count of felony voluntary manslaughter. If convicted, Tensing faces the possibility of life in prison.

Tensing stopped Dubose because his car did not display the proper front license plate. The former cop claimed Dubose attempted to drive away, dragging him and causing him to fear for his life. Prosecutors said that wasn’t true.

The trial began November 1, 2016 and jury deliberations began November 9th. The jury deliberated 25 hours over four days before failing to reach a unanimous verdict.

Deters said he decided to retry Tensing after reviewing trial transcripts and discussing the trial with some of the jurors and his staff.

“I am hopeful that a second jury will be able to reach a decision to bring justice in this case for the victim’s family and our community,” Deters said.

This article originally published in the November 28, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.