An all-white jury convicted former Oklahoma City Police Officer Daniel Holtzclaw of over a dozen charges of rape, sexual assault, and lascivious conduct late Thursday.
The jury deliberated for 4 days before finding Holtzclaw guilty on 18 counts.
Holtzclaw was visibly distraught. He cried uncontrollably and rocked back and forth in his chair when the judge read the jury’s verdicts to the packed courtroom. The jury recommended a sentence of 263 years in prison.
Holtzclaw uncontrollably crying. Tells family in gallery "I didn't do it!" He stared down jury as he left in handcuffs @NewsOK
— Kyle Schwab (@SchwabKyle) December 11, 2015
Ironically, Thursday was Holtzclaw’s 29th birthday.
Some of Holtzclaw’s victims held hands and sang “Happy Birthday” in the courthouse gallery after he was convicted.
The decision to seat an all-white jury in Holtzclaw’s case infuriated members of the black community who took to social media with shouts of racism.
Holtzclaw specifically targeted poor black women because he thought no one would believe their stories of rape by cop.
The 13 women testified they were afraid to come forward because they had outstanding warrants.
Prosecutors say Holtzclaw ran background checks on the women and targeted the ones who had warrants or previous arrests.
He faces life in prison when he is sentenced on January 21, 2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYqEJG8Ooxs
