TULSA, Okla. — The family of Terence Crutcher and their attorneys said a recent federal appeals court ruling marks a historic moment.
The family said this ruling is about more than just one case; it is about justice and accountability.
It has been nearly 10 years since Terence Crutcher was shot and killed by former Tulsa Police Officer Betty Shelby.
The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Shelby is not entitled to qualified immunity, stating evidence supports the claim that Crutcher’s constitutional rights were violated through the use of unreasonable force.
On Tuesday, Crutcher’s family, their legal team and State Senator Regina Goodwin said this moment has been a long time coming.
“He was a brother — a twin brother. He was a man that was trying to better himself. He was literally coming from school — Tulsa Community College — when this happened,” Solomon-Simmons said. “He was a victim twice. He was a victim of a shooting, and he was a victim of a smear campaign.”
Crutcher’s twin sister, Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, said the ruling brings a measure of justice, while also highlighting the burden carried by families seeking accountability.
“This ruling brings a measure of justice,” Tiffany said. “It also reminds us of the cost too often borne by Black families, and especially Black women, who carry the weight of loss while leading the fight forward. Today is proof that persistence matters, that belief matters, that even when justice feels distant, it is still worth fighting for.”
Attorney Karin Portlock said the decision comes at a critical time for law enforcement accountability nationwide.
“We are proud of the court’s ruling and its courage to call out the injustice of Terence’s killing,” Portlock said. “We also know this comes at a critical moment in our country, when law enforcement accountability is paramount.”
In its ruling, the court reiterated what it called a “baseline principle.” This means a police officer may not use deadly force against an unarmed, non-dangerous person.
Solomon-Simmons called the decision one of the most powerful orders the legal team has seen.
“The judges were so clear about what happened here,” Solomon-Simmons said. “We think this is not just a victory for the Crutcher family, but a victory for everyone dealing with policing here in Tulsa.”
Despite the ruling, the family said the fight is far from over.
“We will keep fighting not just for our family, but for every family facing injustice across this nation,” Tiffany said. “We will fight to protect one another, to uphold the dignity of every life and to build communities that are truly just, safe and free from harm.”
Attorneys said the estate intends to pursue its civil rights claims at a jury trial. As the case moves forward, they are committed to devoting the time, resources and effort necessary to seek justice.
