WLTX reports that defense attorneys representing Michael Slager in his murder trial have asked for a mistrial after a juror sent the judge a letter saying he could not vote to convict the former South Carolina patrolman charged in the shooting death of a black motorist.
Judge Clifton Newman read the letter to the court in which the juror wrote he “can’t in good conscience approve a guilty verdict” and would not change his mind.
The jury foreman asked the judge for a clarification of the law in hopes of being able to return to the courtroom with a unanimous verdict. If the 12 jurors cannot agree on a verdict, then a mistrial would likely be declared.
Slager is charged with murder in the shooting death of 50-year-old Walter Scott, who was shot five times in the back while running from Slager during a traffic stop in North Charleston last year. In addition to the murder charge, the jury can consider voluntary manslaughter.
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