A University of Cincinnati police officer who shot a motorist after stopping him over a missing front license plate has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and involuntary manslaughter.
Twenty-five-year-old Ray Tensing wore a striped jail uniform at his arraignment Thursday. Bond was set at $1 million.
Tensing was indicted Wednesday in the July 19 death of 43-year-old Samuel DuBose. Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters scoffed at Tensing's claim that he was dragged by DuBose's car, saying the officer "purposely killed him."
Tensing's attorney says his client feared for his life and didn't intend to kill DuBose.
DuBose's death comes amid months of national scrutiny of police dealings with African-Americans, especially those killed by officers. Tensing is white and DuBose is black. Authorities so far have not focused on race in the death.