Trial begins for ex-reserve who fatally shot unarmed man
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this July 13, 2015, file photo, Robert Bates arrives for his arraignment in Tulsa, Okla. The ex-Oklahoma sheriff’s reserve deputy who was recorded on body cameras fatally shooting an unarmed man after a foot pursuit goes to trial Monday, April 18, 2016, for second-degree manslaughter. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) (The Associated Press)
Lawyers for an Oklahoma reserve sheriff's deputy who killed an unarmed suspect lying face-down on the ground and being restrained are expected to argue that the victim's drug use and health could have contributed to his death.
Robert Bates, a 74-year-old insurance executive who moonlighted as a reserve Tulsa County sheriff's deputy, is due to stand trial Monday on a second-degree manslaughter charge in the shooting death of Eric Harris last April.
Bates was playing a support role in an illegal gun sales sting in which Harris fled.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Body camera video shows that after deputies caught up to Harris and were subduing him, Bates yelled "Taser!" before firing a gunshot that struck Harris near his armpit, killing him. Bates later said he thought he was drawing his stun gun.