Mother of Officer Michael Slager Says She’s In Denial About Fatal Shooting of Walter Scott

The mother of Michael Slager, the former North Charleston, SC police officer charged with murder in the shooting death of South Carolina man Walter Scott, said she’s “in denial” about the shooting in an interview with ABC News.

Karen Sharpe said that her 33-year-old son loved being a police officer, adding that he “would not do something purposeful” that would interfere with helping his wife, who is expecting a baby. She has not watched the video of Scott’s death, she told ABC.

I just can’t,” Sharpe said. “Maybe to some people, ‘Well, you’re being in denial,’ but I’m sorry I just can’t. I just I know how Michael is.”

“He has a little baby on the way, due next month, and they worked so hard for this baby,” Sharpe said. “I know he would go to all the appointments, all the OB appointments, and he had to miss it today. She was just so sad because he was not there and I know that he would not do something purposeful to not be able to be with his wife during the delivery. They just tried so hard for this.”

Sharpe also said that her life will never be the same again, stating she does not want to think about the time her son would have to spend in jail if convicted. She also believes the shooting is not a racial thing.

“I just have to let it be and hope God takes care of everybody involved — not only my family but the Scott’s family — because I know they’re grieving just like I’m grieving,” she said. “Nobody likes to see their child sitting in prison,” Sharpe said. “You don’t think it is something that will ever happen to you, but I have to just believe that… I just have to believe that everything will work out.”

Sharpe was charged and arrested for the fatal shooting death of Walter Scott after video emerged of the officer shooting him in the back. In the video, captured by a bystander, it appears Slager drops an object by Scott’s lifeless body. Many speculate the object is a Taser Slager claims Scott grabbed from him, which in turn made him “fear for his life.”

Slager initially stopped Walter for a routine traffic stop for a broken tail light. In a newly released video, Scott appears to stop, get out of the car, and flee from Slager. Video taken by the bystander reveals what happened during that tragic chase.