Crutcher Family, Al Sharpton Hold Prayer Rally And Call For Justice

Reverend Al Sharpton returned to Tulsa for a prayer and call for justice rally on the same day testimony began in the Betty Shelby manslaughter trial.

Terence Crutcher’s family said it’s been an emotional week in court, but at the rally at the Jazz Hall of Fame Wednesday night, they said they could feel the community support both in Tulsa and across the country.

Sharpton spoke to a crowd of about 300 Wednesday night, calling for continued peace as the trial of Officer Betty Shelby got underway this week.

Shelby shot and killed Terence Crutcher in September 2016.

Special Coverage: Betty Shelby Manslaughter Trial

"If you allow them to set the wrong premise, you will come to the wrong conclusion," Sharpton said.

In addition to Sharpton, Crutcher's twin sister, Tiffany, also spoke.

"Of course our ultimate goal is justice for my brother. We don't want him to be remembered as just another hashtag," she said.

Tiffany Crutcher said sitting in court this week has not been easy.

"To see tears strolling down my mom's cheeks, it's just been an emotional day and that's why we’re here,” she said.

They want to ensure Crutcher's death brings about positive change to the country's justice system.

"Invoking change and transforming a justice system that's perpetuated so much injustice," Tiffany Crutcher said.

At Wednesday night’s rally, they told the crowd their support has helped the family during the difficult time.

"There's more good than bad in this world, and we just want to bring that out," Tiffany said.

Sharpton said that is the responsibility of everyone.

"Keep rallying to defend the life of an unarmed man that could have been anyone of us out there on that highway," he said.

People prayed for the court workers, the families involved and for equal justice.