CLEVELAND — The case of Tamara McLoyd is now in the hands of a jury.
The 19-year-old is charged with murdering Cleveland Police Officer Shane Bartek last New Year's Eve. Her lawyer says she didn't mean to kill Bartek, and that she was "a scared young girl" on the night of the shooting.
McLoyd was arrested seven months ago after she allegedly shot Bartek in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 4300 block of Rocky River Drive. The two-year veteran was off duty when McLoyd allegedly tried to carjack and rob him before shooting him in the torso. The officer died from his injuries, and McLoyd was arrested a short time later.
McLoyd, who just turned 19 this week, pleaded 'not guilty' to murder and felonious assault, as well as theft and gun charges. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge John O'Donnell could sentence McLoyd to anywhere from 20 years to life in prison, if she is convicted.
The 25-year-old Officer Bartek was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park. A two-year veteran of the force, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb later ruled his death as officially being in the line of duty, allowing the city to pay for funeral expenses.
Jurors will sent home Tuesday afternoon without a verdict and will continue deliberations Wednesday beginning at 9 a.m.