To: Steve Kunzweiler, Tulsa County District Attorney
DA Kunzweiler: Don't Make A Deal with Reserve Deputy Bates
We The People Oklahoma demand the Tulsa County District Attorney's office refuse any plea deal in Robert Bates' manslaughter case that circumvents a jury trial.
Mr. Bates is the reserve deputy who shot and killed Eric Harris during an undercover gun operation. Former Reserve Deputy Bates MUST be held accountable for his actions and tried in front of a jury of citizens, not handed a sweetheart deal due to his association with the Sheriff's office.
Mr. Bates is the reserve deputy who shot and killed Eric Harris during an undercover gun operation. Former Reserve Deputy Bates MUST be held accountable for his actions and tried in front of a jury of citizens, not handed a sweetheart deal due to his association with the Sheriff's office.
Why is this important?
Former Reserve Deputy Bates is a personal friend and frequent donor to Former Sheriff Stanley Glanz's reelection campaign. His close relationship to Tulsa County via his relationship with the sheriff makes it that much more likely he will receive a dramatically reduced sentence. It is imperative that he be tried in front of a jury of citizens to ensure justice is served.