Testimony Continues During Day 4 Of Betty Shelby Manslaughter Trial

Thursday evening, several witnesses including Tulsa Police detectives testified in the manslaughter trial of Tulsa Police Officer Betty Shelby.

The jurors saw pictures of the taser on the ground, the taser barbs stuck in Terence Crutcher's clothing, the vial of PCP and school books found in his vehicle and Officer Shelby's gun and remaining bullets.

Detectives arrived at the scene after the shooting on September 16, 2016, after the scene had been secured and taped off. They took lots of pictures and videos and then measured and collected all the evidence, according to testimony.

Much of Thursday morning was spent explaining to the jury all the processes officers go through to protect the integrity of the scene.

Major Crimes Sergeant Marcus Harper said after it became an issue of whether Crutcher's driver's side window was up or down, he went to the no-touch facility where the vehicle was being stored and took additional pictures and measurements. He said the window was halfway down, just as he'd seen it at the scene. He said the total opening was 22 inches and it was rolled up ten and a half inches. He said it appeared to him from the chopper video, Crutcher's arm was in the window, but agreed he wasn't there when the shot was fired. 

According to Tulsa Police Corporal Wyatt Poth’s testimony, when he talked to officer Betty Shelby the evening of Terence Crutcher’s death, on the scene, he told her, “Do not say a word.”

Special Coverage: Betty Shelby Manslaughter Trial

He stated that he told Shelby this because he felt that she needed to retain their rights to obtain council to get an attorney before she made a statement.

He went on to say, “I knew there would be a group of people who didn’t like what happened simply because of the color of somebody’s skin.”

Poth’s statement caused dissension in the courtroom. He added that he has given that same advice to suspects in other crimes to preserve their rights.

Later, TCC professors Sharolyn Wallace and Michelle Ogan testified that about 30 minutes before the shooting they helped Crutcher find out how to return a book for a music appreciation class that was canceled. They both stated that Crutcher was very responsive, polite and did not appear intoxicated.

TPD Senior Forensic Scientist Jason McGinnis testified that the substance inside the vial found in Crutcher’s vehicle was PCP.

Tulsa Medical Examiner's Office performed Crutcher’s autopsy. Dr. Andrea Weins testified that the bullet entered under his right armpit, went from left to right through his chest and remained lodged in the left side of his body.

So far, 17 witnesses have been called by the district attorney.