Attorney For Officer Shelby Not Happy With Manslaughter Charge

The attorney representing the officer charged in the death of Terence Crutcher returned to Tulsa Thursday night.

Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler charged Officer Betty Shelby with first-degree manslaughter following the shooting.

Thursday night, Attorney Scott Wood said Shelby left town recently due to death threats.

Special Coverage: Terence Crutcher Police Shooting

He said he’s not happy about the charge, but said his client will return and turn herself in.

"I wasn't necessarily surprised because of the tremendous amount of pressure in this case brought on the community and the DA. I was surprised with how quickly it happened,” Wood said. “It [the charge] carries a degree of intent, a degree of recklessness, and that's not Betty Shelby. Ask anyone, anyone who has worked with her. That's not Betty Shelby."

Wood said once Shelby turns herself she'll go to jail, bond out and then be arraigned.

In the meantime, he said they'll be building a defense because ever since the district attorney handed down the charge, he's been speaking with use of force experts across the country.