TULSA, Okla. (AP) – The family of an unarmed black man fatally shot by a white Oklahoma officer filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court Thursday against the city of Tulsa and the policewoman, who was acquitted of manslaughter charges last month.
The lawsuit filed on behalf of Terence Crutcher seeks at least $75,000 in damages and calls for widespread reform in the Tulsa police department, including mandatory training for police officers on managing suspects with mental health or substance abuse issues as well as mandatory activation of dash cameras during encounters.
The suit comes after jurors on May 17 acquitted Officer Betty Jo Shelby, 43, of manslaughter in Crutcher’s death. Two days after the acquittal, she was reinstated by Police Chief Chuck Jordan, although she won’t be allowed on street patrol while an internal affairs investigation continues.
Shelby’s attorney, Shannon McMurray, said she had reviewed the lawsuit and that it contains a number of factual errors and omissions.
“Just as in the criminal case, I can confidently say that Officer Shelby’s actions will be justified,” McMurray said.