Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Accused Of 'Character Assassination' For Releasing Video Of Dead Suspect

Authorities Accused Of 'Character Assassination' In Case Of Volunteer Deputy

JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS, Associated Press

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A civil rights group says the release of video showing an undercover agent allegedly buying drugs from a man later killed by a volunteer officer is "character assassination."

Tulsa County sheriff's officials released video late Tuesday of a man who allegedly sells drugs and talks about selling a gun to an undercover officer last month.

The sheriff's office says the recordings show Eric Harris, who was fatally shot April 2 by volunteer deputy Robert Bates during a sting investigation. Bates has said he confused his handgun with a stun gun.

Marq Lewis, an organizer with We The People Oklahoma, said Wednesday that police are trying to slander Harris's character, and that video showing an alleged crime doesn't justify a suspect's death.

A sheriff's office spokesman and Harris' family declined comment.

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