A white former South Carolina police officer pleaded guilty Tuesday to violating the civil rights of Walter Scott, the unarmed black motorist he shot dead in 2015.
The state of South Carolina, as part of a plea deal, will not file new charges against Michael Slager, who was fired after cellphone footage of Scott’s killing in North Charleston went viral. Slager’s murder trial ended last December in a hung jury.
“The defendant used deadly force even though it was objectively unreasonable under the circumstances,” the plea agreement says. Outside the courthouse Tuesday, Scott’s brother, Anthony, thanked federal prosecutors and said his family was grateful to have “justice.” “For me and my family, the healing starts today,” Anthony Scott said, adding that Slager’s guilty plea was a “victory” for his city, state, country and the world.Walter Scott’s mother, Judy, fought back tears as she told reporters she forgives Slager. “I forgive Michael Slager because the forgiver is in me. That he [Slager] admitted he did it was enough years for me,” she said.
Slager, 35, pulled over Scott on April 4, 2015, due to a broken taillight. Scott, 50, then ran from the traffic stop. The incident escalated, Slager has claimed, when Scott wrestled away the officer’s Taser. Slager then fired his weapon as Scott ran away. Scott was struck five times in the back.
