#WalterScott Shooting: Jury selection begins for the murder trial of officer Michael Slager

Posted on October 31, 2016 by SouthernGirl2

walter-scott-shootingJury selection is underway for the murder trial of former South Carolina cop Michael Slager, who shot and killed unarmed motorist Walter Scott during a traffic stop in early April 2015 in what prosecutors have alleged is murder, PEOPLE confirms.

On Monday, potential jurors began being interviewed in a Charleston, South Carolina, court room as Slager’s attorneys recently sought either a dismissal of the entire case or an alternate venue for the 34-year-old’s impending trial, a court official tells PEOPLE.

He has pleaded not guilty and faces 30 years to life without parole if convicted. Jury selection will take at least two days, according to the Associated Press.

Slager is charged with murder for repeatedly shooting Scott, 50, in the back as Scott ran away from him following a traffic stop in North Charleston, South Carolina, on April 4, 2015.

A bystander recorded part of the incident on video, and the release of the footage — which contradicted how authorities had described the altercation in the immediate aftermath — sparked outrage and spurred further protests about the use of force by police officers against African-Americans.

Slager was fired by the North Charleston Police Department soon after the video of the shooting was made public. His police chief said he was “sickened” by the footage.

Prior to his arrest, Slager claimed he was acting in self-defense, and his defense team has alleged that Scott was reaching for Slager’s Taser in some kind of attack before he turned and fled.

Scott was shot multiple times, according to the medical examiner.

L. Chris Stewart, lead attorney for Scott’s family, tells PEOPLE his clients will be in court on Wednesday, once a jury has been settled on.

Stewart says he is warning the family the trial will be tough to handle at times.

“I’m advising them not to be shocked or surprised or upset by anything they hear, and that they will hear some of the most ludicrous and desperate excuses from Slager and his team,” Stewart says. “I expect this to be one of the most ludicrous defenses ever.”

About SouthernGirl2

A Native Texan who adores baby kittens, loves horses, rodeos, pomegranates, & collect Eagles. Enjoys politics, games shows, & dancing to all types of music. Loves discussing and learning about different cultures. A Phi Theta Kappa lifetime member with a passion for Social & Civil Justice.
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91 Responses to #WalterScott Shooting: Jury selection begins for the murder trial of officer Michael Slager

  13. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 3, 2016 at 1:01 pm

    Finished? What was the point in calling these ppl to the stand other than to smear the victim? It’s so disgusting.

    https://twitter.com/ChuckRingwalt/status/794199560608514048

    Reply
  16. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 3, 2016 at 12:56 pm

    Joe Walsh was behind on child support payments but he got elected to Congress. But that’s ok, right? *wink* *wink*

    https://twitter.com/ChuckRingwalt/status/794194971050078208

    Reply
  17. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 3, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    Oh look. Putting the victim on trial. Let the smearing begin. #Amerikkka

    https://twitter.com/ChuckRingwalt/status/794194825809694720

    Reply
  27. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 3, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    Love how he speaks about killer cop’s stellar record after video shows him shooting a man in the back 8X’s as he runs away.

    https://twitter.com/ABCNews4WebGrrl/status/794185732990574593

    Reply
  40. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 2, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    NOT TODAY, SATAN!

    #MichaelSlager Judge Newman: I am not swayed by the quality of the testimony of the three witnesses, DENIES denies motion to change venue.

    Reply
  51. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 2, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    #MichaelSlager Ward says she’s seen the cellphone video of the #WalterScott shooting,but says she doesn’t believe video released to the media is complete video.

    Reply
  52. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 2, 2016 at 2:03 pm

    Defense trying to get the video of the murder tossed. Good luck with that!

    Savage says 95% of jurors had seen the video. “It’s not just availablity of media coverage, it’s the intensity of that coverage and the false narrative.”

    Reply
    • Ametia says:
      November 2, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      Interesting the media comes in handy for these MOFOs, when they want to parade the criminals before the camera to elicit UNEARNED sympathy, by interviewing their family and friends.

      Reply
  73. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 1, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    Get ready, folks! We might hear some wild ISH in this trial.

    Reply
  74. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 1, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    Unfreakingbelievable! Shorter: Judge, toss the video of my client shooting Walter Scott in the back 8 times as he runs away. What GALL!

    https://twitter.com/cpheadlines/status/793516016978366465

    Reply
  77. SouthernGirl2 says:
    November 1, 2016 at 10:51 am

    Walter Scott was shot 8 times as he ran away. Who the hell is the victim then?

    https://twitter.com/thelauracoates/status/793459579174711296

    Reply
    • Ametia says:
      November 1, 2016 at 10:55 am

      Well Michael Slager’s the victim, DON’T YOU KNOW!

      Walter Scott was painted the criminal from jump.

      It’s so maddening, these trials for the white killer cops. They only prove to serve and paint them as the big, bad, defenders of law and order, of justice.

      It’s fucked up this system.

      Reply
  79. Ametia says:
    November 1, 2016 at 10:43 am

    These trials are a farce.

    You have VIDEO EVIDENCE of a BLACK MAN running, back facing cop, and the cops GUNS him down in cold blood.

    What the fuck do you need this dog and pony show for?

    Reply
  80. Ametia says:
    November 1, 2016 at 10:21 am

    THIS MOFO NEEDS TO GO DOWN, AND DOWN HARD.

    Reply

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