Why police who shot Walter Scott won't face death penalty
Former North Charleston, S.C., officer Michael Slager is charged with murder in the death of Walter Scott. But under state law, the shooting isn't likely to warrant the death penalty, says the prosecutor.
Former North Charleston, S.C., officer Michael Slager is charged with murder in the death of Walter Scott. But under state law, the shooting isn't likely to warrant the death penalty, says the prosecutor.
A prosecutor says it doesn't look like the death penalty can be sought in the case of a black South Carolina man who was fatally shot as he ran from a white police officer.
Former North Charleston officer Michael Slager is charged with murder in the death of Walter Scott. The April 4 shooting was captured on cellphone video and showed Slager firing eight shots at Scott as he ran after a traffic stop.
Solicitor Scarlett Wilson released a statement earlier this week saying that, based on the facts so far, the death penalty doesn't appear to apply. Under state law, death can only be sought in a killing with aggravating circumstances such as robbery or kidnapping.
In the meantime, court documents show the case has been assigned to a black judge: Clifton Newman of Kingstree.
The Washington Post reported that police officers are given substantial leeway in the use of force under US law. 聽
An analysis conducted by The Washington Post and researchers at Bowling Green Sate University found: