Oklahoma Senator Calls For Change After DA Drops Charges In 3 Officer-Involved Shooting Cases

District Attorney Vicki Behenna said Friday’s decision to drop charges in three law enforcement use-of-force cases was difficult, but that her office had to follow the law. One lawmaker said better laws and policies could save lives.  

Related Coverage:

1. Oklahoma County DA Drops Charges In Officer-Involved Shootings
2. WATCH VIDEO: Oklahoma County DA Vicki Behenna Press Conference
3. WATCH VIDEO: OKC Fraternal Order Of Police News Conference
4. Oklahoma City Police Chief Releases Statement After Charges Dropped In 3 Officer-Involved Shootings
5. Family Of Stavian Rodriguez React To DA’s Decision To Drop Charges In Nov. 2020 Shooting 

“It’s the same old story,” said Sen. George Young (D-OKC). “We come to the same conclusion again.”  

On Friday afternoon, Behenna read the names of seven police officers who will no longer face manslaughter charges in three different use-of-force cases dating back to 2020. 

“No matter what this office does or says, these families are forever changed,” Behenna said. 

Behenna said emotion can’t play into these decisions.

“This was a factual and legal analysis,” she said. “That’s what guided our decisions here.”

However, families are left to carry the emotional burden. 

“Justice in some of our eyes has not been found just yet,” Young said.

Oklahoma law allows officers to use deadly force if they believe it’s necessary to protect themselves.  

“I appreciate their sacrifice and I want them to go home every night,” Young said. “Just like I want the people they encounter to go home every night.” 

Young said he respects people who put their lives on the line, but he says something is missing.  

“I never wanna see law enforcement hindered from doing their job, but I also don’t want law enforcement to receive a pass on things that impact individuals,” Young said. 

Young said new legislation would help, but he said change starts with acknowledgment.

“Well, I think we need to live in reality,” Young said. “That’s the first thing.”  ]

According to the Department of Justice, Black people are three times more likely to be killed by police than white people. Young acknowledged the progress that’s been made in law enforcement training and policy, but he said more must be done to prevent the loss of life.

“The results of these three cases kind of show us that we’re not there yet,” Young said. 

Young believes Oklahoma has an opportunity to change the law and practice.  

“I think we have an opportunity to do what you and I are doing right now,” Young said. “To talk about it and to elevate it to a higher level so that we can make a difference and 

eliminate these types of things from ever happening.”