Judge Releases Betty Shelby's Police Interview To News On 6

Friday, May 19th 2017, 1:36 pm

By: News On 6

News On 6 obtained a copy of Officer Betty Shelby's police interview.

News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright sent a letter to the judge, because she wanted to show people what the jury saw in the trial. The judge agreed most of the evidence is public record and released it to us.

What we obtained includes the frame-by-frame analysis of the video done by the OSBI, the re-creation done by the defense team of what happened before the cameras arrived on scene, some photos and Shelby's interview with Sergeant Dave Walker.

The entire interview is 46 minutes long. Prosecutors emphasized the emotion Shelby showed in the interview. The defense said it was the basis for why the DA charged Shelby with overreacting in fear the night of the shooting.

Special Coverage: Betty Shelby Trial

But her attorneys told the jury of course she was emotional three days later while recounting how she took a human life. The DA pointed out Sergeant Walker said he'd never had another officer show this much emotion during an interview.

Her attorneys told the jury Shelby's emotion on September 19th had nothing to do with her behavior the night of the shooting on September 16, 2016. They told the jury that despite being afraid, Shelby was calm, giving clear concise commands, holding her gun steady, keeping good pacing with Terence Crutcher, and giving appropriate information over the radio.

The release comes on the same day Chief Chuck Jordan announced Shelby is returning to the force.

5/19/2017 Related Story: Tulsa Police Chief: Officer Betty Shelby Being Returned To Duty