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A 73-year-old Tulsa County reserve deputy entered a not-guilty plea at a Tuesday morning arraignment on a second-degree manslaughter charge after he mistakenly shot the target of a gun-buy sting, according to court records.
The fatal shooting occurred April 2 when Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Robert Bates mistook his gun for a Taser during an undercover operation, killing Eric Harris.
Bates subsequently was charged with manslaughter by District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler. Tuesday was his first appearance, and Special Judge Deborrah Ludi-Leitch set a preliminary hearing for July 2.
Speaking after the arraignment, Bates’ attorney, Clark Brewster, said, “This gave us the opportunity to deal with the facts in the courtroom instead of the media.”
“We’re very much looking forward to that,” Brewster said.
He also notified the judge that Bates would be going on vacation in the Bahamas for the next month, said attorney Corbin Brewster, a spokesman for the law firm and son of Clark Brewster.
The judge said he didn’t think it would be a problem, Corbin Brewster said.
“Prior to the April 2 incident, Robert had planned to take his family and grandkids on a trip,” he said. “The District Attorney’s Office announced they didn’t have any problem with that travel or the itinerary.”
The family of Eric Harris issued a statement following the arraignment that questioned Bates’ choice to go on vacation.
“Whether intended or not, Mr. Bates’ vacationing in the Bahamas at this time sends a message of apathy with respect to the shooting and Eric’s life,” according to the statement released by the family’s attorneys. “At a time when we are still mourning the death of a loved one that he shot down in the street, Mr. Bates will be relaxing and enjoying his wealth and privilege.”
Corbin Brewster said Bates fully intends to defend himself in court in July.
“We intend to try his case in the court of law,” Brewster said.
Jarrel Wade 918-581-8367
