Settlement Approved in Case of Slain Cincy Driver

(CN) - The 13 children of a black motorist killed by a white University of Cincinnati police officer during a traffic stop will each receive nearly $218,000 as part of a wrongful death settlement, a judge ruled Monday.

Hamilton County Probate Judge Ralph Winkler also awarded Samuel DuBose's six siblings $32,000 each, his mother $90,000, and his father $25,000.

DuBose was shot and killed by University of Cincinnati Officer Ray Tensing during a routine traffic stop on July 19, 2015, the entire incident being captured on the officer's body camera.

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, Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph 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 said.

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.

Tensing was fired from the force, and the incident led UC to a major review of its police procedures.

Barring any delays or changes, Tensing is scheduled to be tried on murder charges on Oct. 24. He has pleaded not guilty.

Judge Winkler ruled DuBose's children, who range in age from 4 to 23, should get $217,816.76 each from the settlement. About $1.67 million will go to attorneys.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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