A judge has just ruled a mistrial in the murder case against the cop who shot and killed Walter Scott. Jurors were not able to reach a unanimous verdict in the case. The mistrial came after hours of deliberating. Jurors claim they could not reach a unanimous consensus. There were 11 white jurors and one black juror.
The jurors wanted to know why Michael Slager was charged with voluntary manslaughter in addition to murder. If convicted of murder, he could spend the rest of his life in jail. A voluntary manslaughter conviction would get him anywhere from two years to 30 years. Upon the mistrial, Slagers wife said “thank you for everything” to the defense lawyers upon leaving the courtroom. Scott’s mother and brother believe that justice will eventually prevail. Judy Scott says,
“I’m not sad because I know justice will be served,”
Scott’s brother, Anthony said,
“We’re not going to tear up this city. We’re not happy. But we’re not sad.”
He went on to say eventually he will find it in his heart to forgive the officer but not until justice is served. Anthony says,
“He gets to spend Christmas with his family,”
The officer pulled Scott over for a broken tail light on April 4, 2015. Scott and Slager then engaged in a foot pursuit. Slager says he shot the man out of fear for his life.
SOURCE: USATODAY
