Former Oklahoma City officer Daniel Holtzclaw was arrested Thursday, August 21, 2014. He is accused of assaulting or raping 13 women, all black, while he was on the job. An all-white jury of eight men and four women are deliberating 36 charges against Holtzclaw

Former Oklahoma City officer Daniel Holtzclaw was arrested Thursday, August 21, 2014.
He is accused of assaulting or raping 13 women, all black, while he was on the job. An all-white jury of eight men and four women are deliberating 36 charges against Holtzclaw

Daniel Holtzclaw turned 29 years old yesterday, December 10, 2015. On this same day, he was found guilty of 18 different crimes involving rape and sodomy with 13 different Black women.

The former Oklahoma police officer faced 36 charges including rape, sexual battery and forcible oral sodomy – after 40 hours of deliberation, the jurors convicted him of 18. As the verdict was read and the sentences grew longer, Holtzclaw broke down in tears after realizing he faced being sent away for the rest of his life. Holtzclaw’s family members could be heard crying from a distance.

“We are satisfied with the jury’s decision and firmly believe justice was served,” said the Oklahoma City Police Department.

The all-White jury – eight men and four women – took four days to decide Holtzclaw’s fate after he either raped and/or assaulted 13 Black women between the ages of 17 and 50+. The Oklahoman paper reported all of the women had criminal histories of drug use or were prostitutes in an article dated in October 2014.

One victim testified during the trial, telling the court “I didn’t think anyone would believe me. I’m a black female.” Holtzclaw reportedly influenced all of the women into engaging in the sexual acts, promising them he’d drop a drug charge against them if they kept quiet and didn’t report him.

Daniel Holtzclaw’s formal sentencing is scheduled for January 21 – the jury recommended a 263 year sentence. Press play to hear the verdict.WireAP_53a77da3d3e047babf31485d3e6344f8_16x9_1600

Source: CNN|NewsOK


So many charges. So many verdicts. What’s your thoughts?