TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A former Oklahoma volunteer sheriff’s deputy convicted of fatally shooting an unarmed man has again been denied bail while he awaits sentencing.
The Tulsa World (https://bit.ly/1ND1qg3 ) reports that the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals denied Robert Bates’ appeal Friday. A Tulsa County District judge denied Bates’ bail request on May 3.
The 74-year-old had cited medical issues as a reason he should be released, but the judge said state law prohibits bail on appeal for those convicted of a felony while possessing a firearm.
Bates was convicted April 27 of second-degree manslaughter in the shooting of Eric Harris during an illegal gun-sales sting. Bates said he mistook his handgun for his stun gun.
A jury has recommended that he serve four years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 31.
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