Ahmaud Arbery’s Accused Killers Ask That He Not Be Called A ‘Victim’

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The defense attorneys for Travis and Gregory McMichael — the father and son duo accused of fatally shooting 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery on Feb 23, 2020— don’t want to the word “victim” used in court.

Ahmaud Arbery’s Accused Killers make a peculiar request in court

Attorneys for the McMichaels made the request in court papers filed in the Chatham County Superior Court, according to TMZ.

The McMichaels also want a judge to keep their jail calls from being used as evidence — but allow mention of Arbery’s criminal record during their trial.

According to the documents, obtained by TMZ, the McMichaels argue no crime has been committed and say “loaded words” like “victim” might prejudice jurors against them.

What they are on trial for

The accused killers allegedly chased Arbery, through a small Georgia neighborhood in their pickup truck before Travis got out and shot Arbery at close range, authorities have said.

A neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, who allegedly recorded the graphic February encounter on a cellphone camera and has also been charged with murder in the case, told investigators the younger McMichael uttered the racial slur “f—ing n—–” after he fired the shotgun.

The McMichaels did not face criminal charges for the slaying until May — when video of the encounter became public and sparked national outrage.

In addition to axing the word “victim,” only one “in life” photo of Arbery should be permitted, the McMichaels’ lawyers say in the new motions, and the image should not show him with family or friends.

They argue Arbery’s family or friends shouldn’t even be allowed to identify an images of him in court, to prevent any emotional displays from influencing jurors, according to the McMichaels’ request.

A judge has not yet responded to the request, according to the report.