If you’ve seen the news lately, you’ve likely heard about the Ray Tensing trial.  On July 19, 2015, Raymond Tensing, a former UC police officer, pulled over Sam DuBose, a 43 year-old, African-American man for having faulty license tags.  DuBose failed to comply with the orders of Tensing, which ultimately led Tensing to shoot and kill DuBose.  Ray Tensing claimed that he was “dragged” by DuBose’s car.  However, it’s difficult to tell on the body cam footage if Tensing was actually  “dragged” by the vehicle.

Finding a jury for the trial wasn’t easy.  Over two hundred and thirty men and women were summoned to the Hamilton County Courthouse.  These men and women filled out 25-page questionnaires that asked if they were involved in any advocacy groups.  The main goal was for the candidate to not have a formed opinion on whether Tensing is innocent or guilty.  Ultimately, the jury was whittled down to 12, consisting of: four white women, two black women, and six white men.

A trial with this magnitude comes with varying opinions on the matter.  Many

Elder students had a lot to say about the trial.

“I don’t think Mr. Tensing is guilty under the law.  There is enough evidence to say that he was defending his life,” said senior Mike Dirksing.

“However, he may be guilty of using racial bias.  I don’t think he necessarily had to shoot him, but I wasn’t in that uniform, so I can’t make a completely informed call on that,” he added.

Andrew White also believes that Ray Tensing shouldn’t be charged with murder, “I don’t think he (Ray Tensing) is guilty of murder.  To be guilty of murder it would have to be premeditated.  However, based on the tape, it seemed that his life wasn’t in any danger, so I could see him being charged with manslaughter,” said White.

“Overall, he made a rash decision that could have been avoided, but I can’t really say for sure because I wasn’t in the situation,” White added.

In contrast, Riley Burke wants more of the blame directed on Tensing, “I think more of the blame could be put on Ray Tensing.  When he pulled out his gun, Sam DuBose felt threatened because we are internally programmed with fight or flight.  Therefore, it was reasonable for DuBose to try to run away,” stated Burke.

Ultimately, we won’t know the verdict for a few weeks, but regardless of the outcome, there could be uproar in Cincinnati and throughout the country.