Jury Convicts Former Oklahoma Police Officer in 4th Murder Trial

A white former Tulsa police officer has been convicted of first-degree manslaughter following a fourth trial for the 2014 shooting death of his daughter’s boyfriend, who was black. Shannon Kepler, who was off-duty at the time of the killing, told jurors Wednesday that he had no choice but to shoot 19-year-old Jeremey Lake. “He’s bringing it, I’m bringing it,” Kepler told the courtroom. “It was either him or me. I’m not going to stand there and get shot.” Kepler has said that he believed Lake was armed and saw him reach into his waistband. After Lake died, police found no weapon on or near the teen’s body. Kepler’s conviction comes after three mistrials that saw juries deadlocked over the case. The jury has recommended a 15-year prison sentence.