Ray Tensing could be the next White police officer who gets away with killing an unarmed Black man. This time, Samuel Dubose, 43, was the victim.
On Jul 19, 2015 Dubose was stopped by Officer Ray Tensing near the University of Cincinnati because his front license plate was missing. Tensing reported that he asked for Dubose’s license and he was handed a beer. The officer then asked Dubose to step out of the vehicle. Dubose attempted to drive away, but Tensing shot him in the head. Dubose was unarmed and died from his gunshot wound.
Tensing later said that he feared for his life, but video proved that he was never in danger and Dubose never posed as a threat.
However, he could possibly get away with murder. Tensing was charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter. But a jury in Hamilton County ended in a mistrial after a two-week trial and over 25 hours of deliberations. It was also discovered that Tensing wore a Confederate flag shirt under his uniform on the day he killed Dubose.
During the deliberations, at least three jurors were set to find Tensing guilty of murder. But the other jurors were not convinced on whether Tensing should be found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. The ex-police officer was facing life in prison on the murder charge and an 11-year sentence on the manslaughter charge.
Tensing was one of several White officers who was caught on camera killing an unarmed Black man. Victims such as Philando Castille, Alton Sterling, Walter Scott and Laquan McDonald were all executed by White police officers and have yet to receive justice.
The Hamilton County prosecutor could attempt to set-up a retrial against Tensing, but he has yet to reveal if he will do so. Tensing currently remains free on $1 million bond.
