Officer Betty Shelby To Stand Trial In Shooting Death Of Terence Crutcher

A Tulsa judge ruled Tuesday that TPD officer Betty Shelby will stand trial in the death of Terence Crutcher. 

Shelby was charged with first-degree manslaughter after she shot and killed Terence Crutcher in September, but police said Crutcher was unarmed when the two encountered each other at 36th Street North and Lewis.

Shelby appeared in court at 9 a.m. for the preliminary hearing and the judge made the ruling bound Shelby over for trial shortly after noon. 

The attorney for Terence Crutcher's family said he knows this is a long process but the family is glad for the first step toward getting justice for Crutcher. 

He also said the family said they appreciate the judge's ruling and they believe the video is indisputable that the shooting was unjustified. 

Shelby's defense attorney said they are not surprised by the judge's ruling.

Before the hearing at 8:30 a.m., Shelby's daughter spoke about her mother at a news conference and rally supporting the officer.

11/29/2016 Related Story: Betty Shelby's Daughter Pleads For Fair News Coverage

The daughter, identified only as Amber in a release from Law Enforcement And Supporters for Media Accountability (LESMA), called for fair media coverage in the case.

Special Coverage: Terrence Crutcher Police Shooting

Shelby first appeared in court September 30, where she entered a "not guilty" plea to the first-degree manslaughter charge that carries a felony conviction and at least four years in prison. The Tulsa police officer told investigators she feared for her life when she shot Terence Crutcher on September 16th, 2016.

But in the affidavit, the prosecutor says he believes Shelby acted unreasonably and became emotionally involved to the point she over-reacted.