Viewing Held For Man Killed By Tulsa Reserve Deputy

Two weeks after a Tulsa County reserve deputy shot and killed Eric Harris during an undercover gun sting, his body still hasn't been laid to rest because of the autopsy process.<br/>

Saturday, April 18th 2015, 8:24 pm

By: News On 6

Viewing Held For Man Killed By Tulsa Reserve Deputy

Two weeks after a Tulsa County reserve deputy shot and killed Eric Harris during an undercover gun sting, his body still hasn't been laid to rest because of two autopsies.

One by the medical examiner and another independent autopsy for the family but family members held a public viewing to give people a chance to say their goodbyes.

The family held a funeral for Harris back on April 8. Typically, the body would have been buried by now, but it was delayed because of autopsies that are a part of the investigation into his shooting death.

Read All Related Stories: TCSO Reserve Deputy Shooting Controversy

Family members and Harris' son flew in to town for the viewing at the Kennedy Midtown Funeral home.

It was a brief ceremony with family members reflecting on the person they knew.

They remember him for his kind and loving spirit, not the dangerous person they say was portrayed during the gun sting.

Family said while the healing process is difficult, the support from across the nation has helped.

"Everybody is backing us up on this,” son Aiden Fraley said. “It's happened too many times, and I feel like this is the last time it does happen."

A third autopsy will be performed because the family wants to know how the deputies acted after the shooting.

Reserve Deputy Bob Bates says he meant to pull his stun gun, but instead he drew his handgun on accident.

The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office says an independent investigation concluded the shooting was an accident.

Three days after that investigation was completed and turned over to the Tulsa County District Attorney, Bates with second-degree manslaughter.