In opening statements at the murder trail of former North Charleston Police Officer Michael Slager today, attorneys described the shooting death of a 50-year-old black man last year in South Carolina two different ways in opening statements. A former North Charleston police officer is on trial for that man’s murder after he was filmed on cell phone video shooting the motorist as he ran from a traffic stop.
The prosecution says Slager didn’t just shoot and kill Walter Scott, he murdered him. Solicitor Scarlett Wilson said video of the incident shows Slager placing a Taser next to Scott’s body.
“Michael Slager’s first instinct wasn’t to give CPR. It wasn’t to give first aid. It was to stage,” she said.
Defense Attorney Andy Savage painted a picture of an officer doing his job.
“We are here to use the criminal courts rules to decide not whether it was awful but lawful,” he said.
Savage challenged jurors to watch the video that will be presented at trial with an eye and ear for any animus in the officer’s actions.
Testimony
Relatives and friends testified about the morning April 4, 2015. They began the process of filling out a picture Walter Scott. The 50 year old South Carolinian, who was black, was shot and killed by then Officer Michael Slager, who is white.
30-year-old Pierre Fulton, the passenger and former co-worker of Scott testified. He talked about what the two men did that morning prior to the traffic stop. They went to a Faith Remount Church to pick up some free food for a cookout planned for later that day. On the way back from the church, Scott was pulled over.
Fulton said he was on his phone during most of the stop, but remembers that as the officer was inspecting the license, Scott bolted.
"The next thing you know, he was out the door," Fulton said.
Fulton said he had no idea Scott was going to run and doesn’t know why. Fulton stayed in the car during the chase. After other North Charleston officers arrived on scene, Fulton said he was searched. Once Fulton found out Scott was dead, he refused to talk with police.
Thursday afternoon was the first time jurors saw any video of the traffic stop. It was the dashcam video on then officer Slager’s car. In that video Scott can be seen running and Slager following, but they shortly leave the camera view. The camera's microphone picks up Slager yelling, “Taser. Taser. Taser.” as he is chasing Scott.
73-year-old Judy Scott, Walter’s mom told the court she was on the phone with her son during the traffic stop. She said she heard the officer giving instructions to get on the ground and put his hands behind his back and told him to listen to the police. She recounted Scott yell, “They tasing me.” Then she said, “I heard him groaning like he was excruciating pain.”
Judy Scott broke down as she left the stand. She was heard screaming, “Oh Lord.” and “Hallelujah”.
Court adjourned for the day.