Judge declares mistrial in Walter Scott police shooting case

The trial of Michael T. Slager, the North Charleston, SC police officer who shot and killed Walter Scott, has ended in a mistrial on Monday.

Mistrial details

Judge Clifton B. Newman’s decision came three days later after jurors said Friday they were one vote from determining a guilty verdict against Slager, who could have been guilty of murder or involuntary manslaughter.

The panel of 11 white people and 1 black man again said they would not be able to reach an unanimous decision about Michael Slager’s conduct, resulting in a mistrial.

According to a report by the New York Times, prosecutors said they will re-try the case but there is a possibility the indictment could be resolved through a plea deal.

As Slager’s defense team considers their options, they have open ears to the feedback that emerged from a jury that appeared to be divided during deliberations. In a letter to Judge Newman, a single juror said “he could not in good conscience consider a guilty verdict”.

However, the jury’s foreman, the only black member on the panel, said the group absolutely was in agreement that Mr. Slager should be convicted. “It’s just one juror that has the issues”, he said “That juror needs to leave. He is having issues”.

The shooting of Walter Scott came to forefront after a witness, Feiden Santana, recorded cell phone video of the incident emerged online showing Walter Scott running away before being gunned down by Slager. Mr. Scott was nearly 17 feet away when Slager shot him.