Tulsa reserve deputy Robert Bates was silent as he appeared in court in Tulsa on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to 2nd - degree manslaughter . Despite the verdict , the judge told the millionaire retiree that he is allowed to take a previously planned vacation to the Bahamas . Bates has said he mistakenly pulled out his gun instead of his Taser when he confronted Eric Harris , who was fleeing from a sting operation on April 2 . On Tuesday , graves ' family said that while they continue to mourn the loss of their loved one , graves will be enjoying his ' wealth and privilege ' abroad .
Tulsa reserve deputy Robert Bates was silent as he appeared in court in Tulsa on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to 2nd-degree manslaughter . Despite the charges , the judge told the millionaire retiree that he is allowed to take a previously planned vacation to the Bahamas . Bates has said he mistakenly pulled out his gun instead of his Taser when he shot Eric Harris , who was fleeing from a sting operation on April 2 . On Tuesday , Harris ' family said that while they continue to mourn the loss of their loved one , Bates will be enjoying his 'wealth and privilege ' abroad .