TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A Tulsa County judge has denied a Tulsa police officer’s request for an expedited hearing, despite claims by her attorneys that their client has received death threats and that they expect an “onslaught of attendance” at her arraignment.
Court records show the judge on Thursday denied the request made by attorneys for Tulsa officer Betty Shelby, who is charged with first-degree manslaughter in the Sept. 16 fatal shooting of Terence Crutcher.
Shelby’s attorney Scott Wood says his client will plead not guilty to the charge when she is formally arraigned on Friday.
Wood had sought to have his client arraigned on Thursday, arguing the case has attracted national attention and that there are concerns about the officer’s safety.
Prosecutors opposed Shelby’s motion.
Shelby is free on bond.
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