Okla. Co. DA Issues Arrest Warrants For 5 OCPD Officers Charged With Manslaughter

Five Oklahoma City police officers found themselves on the other side of the law this week. Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater charged them with manslaughter on Wednesday in connection to the shooting death of 15-year-old Stavian Rodriguez.

Just like anyone charged with a crime the officers have to be processed through the Oklahoma County Detention Center.

The Oklahoma County DA told News 9 arrest warrants were issued for Officers Bethany Sears, Jared Barton, Corey Adams, Jonathan Skuta and Brad Pemberton. 

While all the officers have been part of one or more officer-involved shootings in the past, they never faced criminal charges.

Attorney Gary James who has represented law enforcement in criminal cases said, “These are unprecedented times for the Oklahoma City Police Department."

The district attorney used body camera footage and security video as evidence in his investigation of the officers. Ultimately, he declared the fatal shooting unjustified.

The officer's body-worn cameras were rolling last November when they responded to an armed robbery of a southwest Oklahoma City convenience store.

They shot and killed the teenage suspect only seconds after he put his weapon on the ground.

News 9 learned the Oklahoma City based Sweet Law Firm was working with the officers through their first legal steps. Attorney Kyle Sweet said, "We are currently working to ensure that the charged officers are officially processed promptly and in a safe and secure fashion.”

Sergeant Clifford Holeman was also charged with manslaughter last month. He is accused of killing a homeless man by shooting him in the back.

Read: OKC Police Officer Charged With Manslaughter In Shooting Death Of OKC Man