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Prosecutor’s remarks in Cincinnati shooting draws critics

He said he knew the shooting to be ‘without question a murder’

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Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters announces murder and manslaughter charges against University of Cincinnati police Officer Ray Tensing, Wednesday, July 29, 2015.

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By Lisa Cornwell
Associated Press

CINCINNATI — The prosecutor overseeing the murder case against a University of Cincinnati police officer has expressed personal outrage over the shooting.

Some say Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters’ scathing comments before trial could jeopardize the officer’s right to a fair trial.

Deters says the shooting of motorist Samuel DuBose in a “chicken crap” stop over a missing front license plate was “asinine,” and “without question a murder.” He also said the university shouldn’t be in the policing business at all.

The prosecutor said he thinks now-fired Officer Ray Tensing lost his temper because DuBose wouldn’t get out of the car.

Tensing pleaded not guilty to murder and voluntary manslaughter charges.

Some say Deters’ comments could make it hard to find jurors without preconceived opinions.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press