A judge declared a mistrial in the murder trial of Michael Slager, the former South Carolina officer who shot and killed Walter Scott in cold blood during a traffic stop.
After a day of questions and deliberation, the jury claimed they could not come to a unanimous decision.
Via NBC News:
In a statement read by Circuit Judge Clifton Newman, the jury said “We as the jury regret to inform the court” that they were unable to come “to a unanimous decision in the case of the state versus Michael Slager” after a day of questions and deliberation.
“The court therefore must declare a mistrial in this case and I so declare that is case is mistried,” he said after the jury returned to the room and confirmed their decision.
The jury had remained undecided — but not deadlocked — on Monday in the murder trial.
The defense in ex-patrolman Michael Slager’s the five-week trial claimed that he feared for his life when 50-year-old Walter Scott got control of the officer’s stun gun and pointed it at him.
But Scott was shot five times in the back while running from Slager during a routine traffic stop.
Slager was fired from the North Charleston police department after his confrontation with Scott on April 4, 2015 led to Scott’s death.
Slager had been charged with murder in Scott’s killing, although the jury was also allowed to consider a lesser verdict of manslaughter. He had faced 30 years to life in prison if convicted.
Slager also faces trial next year in federal court on charges of violating civil rights laws, obstruction of justice and using a firearm while committing a act of violence.
A lone juror said he could not convict Slager causing the jury to be deadlocked.
Walter Scott was unarmed and shot in the back FIVE TIMES. What else needs to be discussed?!
Your thoughts?
