Pastor Criticizes County DA Over Del City Officer's Manslaughter Conviction

An Oklahoma City pastor has criticized the Oklahoma County District Attorney over a police officer's manslaughter conviction.

Tuesday, February 11th 2014, 11:33 pm

By: News 9


An Oklahoma City pastor has criticized the Oklahoma County District Attorney over a police officer's manslaughter conviction.

Former Del City Captain Randy Harrison was sentenced last week to four years in prison for killing Dane Scott Junior in 2012.

Harrison's church pastor, Robby Roberson, called the trial a true injustice for what was and was not allowed.

Read Roberson's letter here.

Roberson wrote a letter to newspaper editors and the media Monday outlining his issues with D.A. David Prater.

"To watch injustice and at least not say anything was just not something I could do any longer," Roberson said.

Roberson is the senior pastor at Grace Place Baptist Church.

In an open letter, he slammed the lack of character witnesses for Harrison, a veteran officer and long-time member of his church.

2/5/2014 Related Story: Del City Officer Convicted Of Manslaughter Sentenced To 4 Years

"How in the world a jury could render a just verdict and know nothing about the character of the person being accused is beyond me," Roberson said.

Roberson also said he saw jurors who appeared to be sleeping during the trial and said it is unjust to not allow previous case history regarding the use of deadly force by officers.

He also called it outrageous that details of the jury deliberations were leaked.

"I don't know how it couldn't be a mistrial, such misconduct it's unbelievable that this could be the American judicial system to me," Roberson said.

DA Prater said after sentencing that Harrison crossed the line and killed Scott because he had a personal vendetta.

"He's not a cop to me. That guy is not a cop. He is so different from the rest of them out there," Prater, in a News 9 report that aired February 5, 2014, said.

Roberson warned other officers in his letter, questioning how they can carry out their responsibilities moving forward.

"If their training is not allowed to be a part of what they do. They'd be open at every turn," Roberson said.

News 9 reached out to Prater about Roberson's letter. We were not able to talk to him by the time of this report.

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