CHARLESTON, SC – The fate of former North Charleston Police officer Micheal Slager still lies in the jury’s hands. The 11 person jury was dismissed shortly after 6 p.m. on Thursday.
“It all comes down to what he was thinking, what was on his in mind before he shot Walter Scott,” said attorney Rutledge DuRant.
Durant says what Slager was thinking at the time of the shooting can be the difference between a guilty verdict or an acquittal.
“This jury is called upon to decide is this murder, is this voluntary manslaughter, or could it be something else maybe it is self defense,” said DuRant.
Prior to exiting the courtroom, the jury asked the judge to clarify passion and fear, both of which will play a big role in the jury’s decision.
“Both of those things to me tell me they can be looking at voluntary manslaughter or self defense,” said DuRant.
Passion is an element of manslaughter. If found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, Slager will face up to 30 years in prison. Fear is an element of of self defense.
“Fear, that’s a telling question to suggest that the jury may be giving sufficient thought to self defense,” says DuRant. “He could be found not guilty under the charge of self defense,” he added.
