TULSA, Okla. — Selection has started for a grand jury charged with investigating an Oklahoma sheriff and his agency after a volunteer deputy and close friend of the sheriff fatally shot an unarmed suspect.
Jurors will consider if Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz neglected his duties and if reserve deputies were afforded special treatment after donating to the sheriff’s office.
Jury selection began Monday in Tulsa County District Court.
A petition drive calling for the grand jury began after Robert Bates fatally shot Eric Harris on April 2 and a memo that was leaked weeks later questioned whether Bates was qualified to serve as a reserve deputy.
Bates, who has since retired, says he confused his handgun and stun gun when he shot Harris. He’s pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter.
