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Police Officer Charged With Traffic Stop Death

CINCINNATI (CN) - Announcing the murder indictment of a police officer who shot and killed a black man during a traffic stop, an Ohio prosecutor blasted the shooting Wednesday as "the most asinine act I've ever seen a police officer make."

The press release from Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Deters includes video footage of the July 19 incident recorded by the indicted officer's body camera.

University of Cincinnati Officer Ray Tensing turned himself in shortly after the press conference. Charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter for the death of 43-year-old Samuel DuBose, Tensing will face at least 15 years in prison if convicted.

Deters announced at a press conference Wednesday that he will seek a life sentence.

Tensing, who is white, had claimed that he was dragged by DuBose's car during a traffic stop, but video refutes the officer's claim, Deters said.

The car began rolling forward and after a "very short period of time" Tensing fired one round that struck DuBose in the head, killing him instantly, the prosecutor added.

Deters railed against Tensing - and the UC police department in general, calling the shooting "an absolute tragedy."

He said Tensing lost his cool during "a pretty chicken-crap stop," adding that Tensing "wasn't dealing with someone who was wanted for murder."

"He was dealing for [sic] someone who was wanted for not having a front license plate," Deters said.

Deters also said that UC police force is there to "educate."

"I don't think a university should be in the policing business," he added.

The UC campus was shut down and classes were cancelled 11 a.m. on Wednesday as a precautionary measure.

Family members of the victim and their attorney spoke to reporters after the press conference.

"Sam was a peaceful person [and] we don't want any anger to come out that denigrates who he was," attorney Mark O'Mara said.

DuBose's mother, Audrey DuBose, expressed thanks at the release of the bodycam video.

"I know the wrath of God, I also know the love of God," she said. "I'm thankful to God that everything was uncovered."

Tensing's attorney Stew Matthews meanwhile said the "murder indictment astounds" him.

Tensing "cried when he learned of the murder charge," Matthews said.

Matthews claims there is a second video that will uncover additional evidence in defense of his client.

Tensing will be arraigned on Thursday at 10 am.

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