Ahmaud Arbery murder trial: Here’s what we’ve learned so far before the end of the argument

news7g11/19/2021

1 4 minutes read

Ahmaud Arbery murder trial: Here's what we've learned so far before the end of the argument

Test touched many conversations happen in state legislatures and courtrooms, from the role of race in the criminal justice system and how video evidence can drive action, to the right to self-defense and the consequences of its use guns on public streets.

Arbery supporters held prayers and marched outside the courthouse in Brunswick, the county seat of Glynn County, Georgia.

Arbery is jogging through residential area near Brunswick as three men pursued him in their car, culminating in Arbery being shot and killed by one of the men on February 23, 2020.

Defense attorneys say their client is trying to proceed with the arrest of a lawful citizen for Arbery, who they suspect is a thief.

Three men – Travis McMichael, who fired the shots that killed Arbery; his father, Gregory McMichael, a former police officer and investigator at the local district attorney’s office; and their neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan Jr. – to be accusation malice and felony murder. The men have pleaded not guilty.

Charges were not filed against the defendants for several months until mobile video from Bryan shows footage that has sparked outrage and condemnation over the icy turn of the case. The first two prosecutors re-offended due to a conflict of interest, citing their closeness to Gregory McMichael during his professional career.

Additional charges imposed against the defendants include aggravated assault, false imprisonment and attempted felony. If convicted, each man could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.

All three men have also prosecuted on federal hate crimes and attempted kidnapping.

Prosecutors cite inconsistencies from Travis McMichael

In two days, Travis McMichael gave testimony relating to the moments before, during and after the shooting. Prosecutors in Thursday’s cross-examination pressed McMichael over discrepancies in his statements and actions.

Travis McMichael stands up and describes the moment he shot Ahmaud Arbery

McMichael said in testimony Wednesday that he and his father met less than two weeks before the shooting with a Black man who was “walking through the dark” near a home being construct. Residents testified in court that a series of burglaries had occurred around the area prior to the shooting.

McMichael testified that on the day of the shooting, his father told him he had seen “the guy who rushed down the street.” Hopping into their van, Travis McMichael said they caught up with Arbery and tried to talk to him twice, but the person didn’t respond.

Travis McMichael said he noticed another truck in the vicinity. Prosecutors argued Bryan, the third defendant, got into his truck and join the pursuit, though he had no idea what was going on, and used his car to attack Arbery.

Finally pulling Arbery down the street, McMichael testified, he parked and exited, then pointed the shotgun at Arbery as he approached, telling him to stop. McMichael claims Arbery got to the truck, grabbed the rifle, and attacked McMichael before he shot Arbery.

The defense rests during the trial of the death of Ahmaud Arbery

On Thursday, prosecutor Linda Dunikoski challenged McMichael over what she said was inconsistencies in his account to the authorities. That included failing to initially tell police that he and his father were trying to arrest a citizen, although that’s what the defense has been up to ever since. She also mentions discrepancies in his account of when and where he told Arbery certain things, such as stopping.

McMichael responded that he was “scattered” and “chaotic” for a few hours after the shooting, because “it was the most traumatic event I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

McMichael also admitted on several occasions, under Dunikoski’s interrogation, that he had never seen Arbery armed in pursuit, had never heard Arbery verbally threaten him, and that Arbery had never been. respond or appear to want to talk to McMichael when he tries to ask what he’s doing.

Hundreds of pastors gather outside Glynn County Courthouse, Thursday, November 18, 2021, in Brunswick, Ga.

Racial aspects went unnoticed

Race is a notable factor surrounding the case, with three white men charged in the Black runner’s death. In a county where 69% of the population is white and 26% black, based on According to Census Bureau data, 11 out of 12 jurors are white.

Satilla Shores, the neighborhood where the shooting took place, is located just outside the city limits of Brunswick. About 55% of Brunswick’s 16,200 residents are Black, compared with 40% are White, according to Census data.

An attorney in Arbery's execution tried to keep Black pastors from going to court. So more than 100 appeared

Judge Timothy Walmsley said before opening his statement that he would allow case to continue, but he said the court “has found that there appears to be intentional discrimination” in jury selection.

Ben Crump, an attorney for Arbery’s father, said Arbery was “denied justice” and was very critical of the jury’s makeup, adding, “The jury should reflect the community,” he said. said on 4/11.

A few days ago, Bryan’s attorney Kevin Gough complained that older white men in the South who don’t have four-year college degrees, “understandably referred to as ‘Bubba’ or ‘Joe Six Pack'” , does not seem to be presented in group of potential jurors that turned on.

As the witness proceedings progressed, Gough repeatedly disparaged the presence of Black pastors in the public gallery who were there to support the Arbery family.

& # 39; We don't want any more Negro pastors here, & # 39; said defense attorney in Arbery's death trial

Last Thursday, noting Father Al Sharpton’s attendance at the trial, Gough said he has “nothing personal against” Sharpton, adding, “We don’t want any more Black pastors.” come here or the other Jesse Jackson, whoever was involved here earlier this week, sitting with the victim’s family trying to influence the jury in this case.” Gough sorry for his comment tomorrow.

Walmsley has stated throughout the case that as long as there is no disruption from the gallery, no court action will be taken regarding attendance.

Bishop Jackson joined Arbery’s parents and sat in the gallery for the first time following Gough’s comments. On Thursday on the court steps, hundreds of Black ministers and pastors joined Sharpton in a vigil in support of Arbery’s parents and family.

“Our agenda is that the God we serve will strengthen this woman and this man and this family and the agenda that God will give us justice in this room. this trial,” Sharpton said at the outdoor meeting. “We didn’t come for an ulterior motive.”

CNN’s Christina Maxouris, Jason Hanna, Dakin Andone, Angela Barajas and Jason Morris contributed to this report.

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