Mistrial in ‘open and shut’ police shooting stuns observers

Mistrial in 'open and shut' police shooting stuns observers | iNFOnews.ca
Judy Scott, Walter Scott's mother, holds a press conference after the mistrial was declared for the Michael Slager trial Monday Dec. 5, 2016, in Charleston, S.C. Former patrolman, Slager, was charged with murder in the April 4, 2015, shooting death of 50-year-old Walter Scott. (AP Photo/Mic Smith)

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In the video, an unarmed black man runs away as a white police officer shoots him repeatedly in the back.

But a lone holdout on a South Carolina jury forced a mistrial.

The outcome stung many African-Americans and others. If that kind of evidence can’t produce a conviction, they asked, what can?

Johnetta Elzie is a black activist who protested in Ferguson, Missouri. She is frustrated that the jury couldn’t decide if it’s illegal to shoot someone who is running away.

Prosecutors plan to retry former officer Michael Slager, who still faces a federal trial. North Charleston city officials approved a $6.5 million civil settlement for Walter Scott’s family earlier this year.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles