Former Oklahoma City police officer Daniel Holtzclaw was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 263 consecutive years in prison on Thursday. Holtzclaw was convicted in December 2015 of raping and sexually assaulting eight women while on duty. The sentencing was delayed for 4 hours as Holtzclaw’s lawyers unsuccessfully appealed to the judge for a new trial.
All of Holtzclaw’s 13 victims were Black women, many of whom had previous convictions for prostitution or drug charges. Victims were slow to report his actions due to his status as a police officer. According to testimony obtained by the Oklahoman, Holtzclaw told one woman, “I’m not going to take you to jail. Just play by my rules” as he proceeded to touch her in the back of his patrol car. Another victim said that she was wary of telling police about her assault because “I didn’t think anyone would believe me. I’m a black female.”
Although the judge had banned cameras inside the courtroom, spectators were live-tweeting throughout the afternoon with updates.
While we are inside an already packed courtroom for #danielholtzclaw sentencing, this is the scene outside @NEWS9 pic.twitter.com/EMcUUwVkGp
— Adrianna Iwasinski (@AIwasinski) January 21, 2016
State asking that all 263 years be run consecutively, says each victim deserves their own sentence to be served #DanielHoltzclaw @OKCFOX
— Tom George (@TheTomGeorge) January 21, 2016
#danielholtzclaw hearing-prosecutor says Holtzclaw was able to fool those closest to him, but not able to fool this jury. @NEWS9
— Adrianna Iwasinski (@AIwasinski) January 21, 2016
After hearing the news, Twitter users reacted with a mixture of relief and joy.
I’m crying. Thank God. #DanielHoltzclaw
— Olivia (@kahmil_) January 21, 2016
My God. This day. 263 consecutive years. I don’t know if black women’s hurt and violation has ever been so punished. #danielholtzclaw
— Stacy Parker LeMelle (@StacyLeMelle) January 21, 2016
Even allowing for half time based on good behavior #danielholtzclaw will be eligible for parole in 130 years or so. Natural life in prison
— Mikki Kendall (@Karnythia) January 21, 2016
In December, The Associated Press announced a study that found around 1,000 police officers nationwide who lost their badges for sexual assault or misconduct.
