Mistrial in ‘Open and Shut’ Police Shooting Stuns Observers

Slager gained national attention after cell phone video was released of him firing his gun at Walter Scott, an unarmed Black man. Experts say this trial may set the tone for similar cases in the future.

Slager’s mistrial is the second time in recent weeks a jury has deadlocked in an officer-involved shooting. He said he could eventually “find the peace” to forgive the ex-officer but not before justice is served. The Department of Justice also filed a federal civil rights violation accusation against Slager, but postponed the trial until after the conclusion of Ninth Circuit Court Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s case. “I don’t care how it looks, it’s not over – you all hear me – until God says it’s over”.

Late Monday afternoon, the jury again sent a note to Judge Clifton Newman stating they were unable to reach a unanimous decision, forcing Newman to declare the mistrial. Reportedly, he was the only member of the jury “having issues” and he wrote in a letter to the court, “I can not and will not change my mind”. “Justice is often a journey”. In both cases the officers were White, while the motorists were Black.

The only defense Slager could offer was that his reaction and use of force was what he was trained to do. New juries will be given an opportunity to render a verdict on his actions. L. Chris Stewart, the legal advisor for the group of Walter L. Scott, the dark man who was shot dead by the previous SC cop Michael T. Slager, talked after news of Mr. Slager’s malfeasance, as did Mr. Scott’s mom. We are grateful for their patience, understanding and cooperation with us.

Scott’s family members have shown incredible dignity from the beginning. Many white supremacist leaders tracked by the center have written that Jones’ broadcasts open their minds to new thinking as they adopted their racist philosophy, Beirich says.

We have an inherent faith in our justice system.

The anger was palpable on MSNBC’s Morning Joe Tuesday, as the panel brought in Chief Legal Correspondent Ari Melber and Rev. Al Sharpton for the discussion that encapsulates the frustration that many are today feeling. Slager appeared to try to cover up his crime by picking up his Taser then walking to Scott’s body and dropping it there. Slager testified on his own behalf during the state trial.

As a lawyer and prosecutor, I am subject to special rules limiting my ability to make public comments about pending cases and defendants in criminal matters. For these reasons, my office can not comment on the merits of the case.

Blue Lives Matter, a group that sprung up in response to the Black Lives Matters movement with the aim of defending law enforcement officers it believe are unfairly vilified, published a story Tuesday expressing its doubts of the officer’s innocence. Thomas Dixon with The Coalition asked. The jury was also allowed to consider a lesser charge of manslaughter, for which Slager would be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years if convicted. It’s not over. You describe this trial as round one when you spoke outside the courthouse yesterday. We can not sit home anymore and say we accept that at this next trial. Scott said God told her to wait on the Lord and that God was strengthening her heart. “What does it take for the community to get a win, a conviction in these acts”.

FOLKENFLIK: The Washington, D.C., chief of police said the Pizzagate theory was fictional – in other words, a lie – though it was spread widely online. The defense also contended there was no way the officer could tell if Scott was unarmed. It has got to happen.