Hamilton County, Oh., Prosecutor Joe Deters will retry Ray Tensing, the former University of Cincinnati police officer who shot and killed a man as he tried to drive away from a traffic stop, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. A trial this month ended with jurors unable to reach a unanimous decision on charges of murder or voluntary manslaughter.
“After careful consideration, I have decided that the Tensing case will be retried,” Deters said today. “This decision was made after review of the trial transcript, discussion with some of the jurors, and consultation with my staff. I am hopeful that a second jury will be able to reach a decision to bring justice in this case for the victim’s family and our community.” Deters will ask for a change of venue, pointing to Cleveland or Columbus as potential destinations for the new trial. Deters said in closing arguments that Tensing intentionally shot Sam DuBose in the head on July 19, 2015 without justification. Tensing testified it was his perception that he was being dragged by DuBose’s car, and he feared for his life. The only way to “stop the threat” was to take the fatal shot, Tensing said. Deters called Tensing’s statements “nonsensical.”