The mayor of Charleston, community leaders and South Carolina’s governor are urging a calm response to the murder trial of a white former police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black man during a traffic stop. A judge granted a mistrial for former North Charleston officer Michael Slager after a jury said it couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict. (UPDATED: 12/6/16 8:01AM)
Original post: 12/5/16
A mistrial has been declared in the trial of a South Carolina police officer charged with murder in the death of a black motorist. Circuit Judge Clifton Newman declared the mistrial after a jury said today that it was unable to unanimously agree on a verdict for Michael Slager.
The judge had told jurors they could also consider a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. Race was never made a major issue at trial, even though Slager is white and Walter Scott was black.
Jurors had deliberated more than 22 hours over four days. Prosecutors say they’ll try Slager again. That as scattered demonstrations erupted after the verdict.
Kim Lampkins reports …
The moments before a mistrial was declared in the murder trial of Michael Slager:
Judge declares mistrial in the Michael #SlagerTrial after jury deadlocked. #chsnews #scnews pic.twitter.com/gDr5mvP9hr
— Shawn Cabbagestalk (@CabbageTV) December 5, 2016
Judy Scot, the mother of victim Walter Scott addresses the media:
"The joy of the Lord is my strength." Walter Scott's family speaks following mistrial verdict in Michael #SlagerTrial. #chsnews #scnews pic.twitter.com/m0inKSXZeb
— Shawn Cabbagestalk (@CabbageTV) December 5, 2016
Source: AP
