Justice Department, State of Okla. Launch Investigation Into Death of Terence Crutcher

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Oklahoma has launched a criminal investigation into the police officer who shot and killed Terence Crutcher, an unarmed black man who was seen on video walking with his hands in the air, Reuters reports.

Tulsa, Okla., Police Officer Betty Shelby fatally shot Crutcher, 40, after his vehicle broke down Friday. Authorities have said that Crutcher did not comply with commands, although video footage seems to show him complying with officers' directives, walking with his hands in the air. Crutcher's family is seeking charges in what they are calling a criminal act.

According to Reuters, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler assured the public in a statement that the criminal investigation will be thorough and that he will make sure that "the facts fit the law."

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Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a separate, civil rights investigation that will look into the officers' use of force, Reuters notes.

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Shelby, the shooting officer, is currently on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

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