CINCINNATI -- At Sitwell's Coffee House in Clifton, Lisa Storie serves up as much conversation as coffee.
But one topic not being discussed is the upcoming Ray Tensing retrial.
"They're afraid to talk," Storie said. "They're afraid to, in some way, be persecuted for their opinions."
Tensing, a former University of Cincinnati police officer, is facing a retrial for the 2015 shooting death of Samuel DuBose. The first trial ended in a hung jury last November.
"It's kind of an open wound at this point, and I don't want anybody to be scapegoated," Storie said. "But at the same time, I want justice to be able to happen."
Bishop Bobby Hilton said the community is tense over pending trial. He wants people to be peaceful and said people need to talk.
"It's important to get those feelings out," he said.
Hilton stays in touch with the DuBose family. He said the recent delays are hard on them.
"They're very concerned as to whether their brother will be treated fairly in this situation." Hilton said.
Despite publicity about the case, Hilton is optimistic a jury will be seated.
"I do know there are individuals in this community, black and white, that simply want truth to prevail," he said.
For complete trial coverage, visit wcpo.com/TensingTrial.
