Family of man killed by Ohio officer to pursue wrongful death claim

The mother of the man shot and killed by a fired University of Cincinnati police officer has asked a judge to allow her to oversee his interests in a wrongful death claim.

No lawsuit has been filed in connection with the July 19 killing of Samuel DuBose by ex-UC Police Officer Ray Tensing. But the estate is being opened in Hamilton County Probate Court "to pursue a claim for wrongful death," according to documents filed Monday.

DuBose's mother, Audrey, has asked to be appointed as administrator of the estate. DuBose was not married.

The family is being represented by attorneys Mark O'Mara, Michael Wright and Al Gerhardstein.

O'Mara gained notoriety as the defense attorney for George Zimmerman, who was charged with murder in Florida for the shooting death of unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman was found not guilty in 2013.

The filings in Hamilton County list Samuel DuBose as having 11 children. A hearing about the application is set Sept. 16.

DuBose, 43, was killed during a July 19 afternoon traffic stop in Mount Auburn. Tensing, who was fired a week after the incident, has been charged with murder.