Court Revives Lawsuit Over Fatal Police Shooting

Crutcher family and attorneys celebrate appeals court decision to reinstate case.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The family of Terence Crutcher and their attorneys gathered at Morning Star Baptist Church to discuss a recent federal appeals court ruling that revived their lawsuit against the City of Tulsa and a police officer over Crutcher's fatal shooting in 2016.

Why it matters

The Crutcher family has been fighting for accountability and justice since Terence's death, which sparked national outrage over police use of force against Black Americans. The appeals court decision gives them another chance to seek answers and potential compensation through the legal system.

The details

In 2016, Terence Crutcher, a 40-year-old Black man, was fatally shot by Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby. Crutcher's family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, but it was previously dismissed by a lower court. On Monday, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver ruled to revive the lawsuit, sending it back to the district court for further proceedings.

  • Terence Crutcher was fatally shot by Tulsa police in 2016.
  • The Crutcher family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit.
  • A lower court previously dismissed the lawsuit.
  • On April 1, 2026, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver revived the lawsuit.

The players

Terence Crutcher

A 40-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Tulsa police in 2016.

Betty Shelby

The Tulsa police officer who fatally shot Terence Crutcher.

Damario Solomon-Simmons

The attorney representing the Crutcher family.

Morning Star Baptist Church

The church where the Crutcher family and attorneys gathered to discuss the appeals court ruling.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're just grateful that the appeals court saw the merits of our case and decided to revive it. This is a major step forward in our fight for justice for Terence.”

— Damario Solomon-Simmons, Attorney for the Crutcher family

What’s next

The case will now return to the district court for further proceedings, where the Crutcher family will have the opportunity to present their claims against the City of Tulsa and Officer Shelby.

The takeaway

The Crutcher family's perseverance in seeking accountability and justice through the legal system serves as a powerful example of the ongoing struggle for racial equity and police reform in the United States.