(Cincinnati, Oh.)--Cincinnati City Counsel member Yvette Simpson, has issued the following statement about the Miss-trial declared in the Re-trial of Former University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing.
Judge Leslie Ghiz declared a mistrial in the Ray Tensing case due to a hung jury. Prior to the retrial, Council Member Simpson worked with the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati (BLAC) to help prepare the African-American community for the retrial and verdict. “Sam DuBose’s death was a tragedy, and people in our city are hurting as a result of today’s decision. But this issue doesn’t just affect our city; it is happening across our country. Justice needs to include everyone. The system needs to change. We can make that change happen. As citizens, we must set a higher standard for our leaders, which control the process for hiring and training police officers, the charges filed, standard of proof, jury selection and ruling on motions. We can protest, hold community conversations to bring about better understanding, but at the end of the day, if we don’t vote for change, injustice will continue,” said Council Member Yvette Simpson.
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley also spoke to 700WLW's Bill Cunningham, Friday and said that everyone's free speech right will be protected after today's verdict. You can hear his full interview on the Cunningham podcast page.