North Charleston Police Officer Michael Slager was charged with murder after a cell phone video emerged of him shooting an unarmed man in the back eight times as he fled on foot.
The video shows Walter Scott, 50, falling to the ground after the eighth shot. Slager then slowly approaches him and orders him to put his hands behind his back.
When Scott doesn’t move, Slager cuffs his hands. He then walks briskly to where he fired the first shots, picks up an object and returns back to Scott’s lifeless body–dropping the object by his feet.
“I can tell you that as a result of that video and by the bad decision made by our officer, he will be charged with murder,” stated North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey during a press conference Tuesday.
A magistrate judge denied Slager’s bond on the murder charge. Due to the severity of the crime, a circuit court judge can only set bond on this particular charge. He has two step-children and one on the way.
Authorities say the incident started after Slager pulled Scott over for a faulty brake light over the weekend.
“I don’t think all police officers are bad cops, but there are some bad ones out there,” stated Anthony Scott, the victim’s brother. “I don’t want to see anyone get shot down the way my brother got shot down.”
If convicted, Slager could face 30 years to life in prison.
Since the incident, all eyes have been on the lowcountry. The shooting has also captured the attention of global media. Today, peaceful protests began at North Charleston City Hall.
Today, Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson issued the following statement:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Scott family. I have had an opportunity to meet with them face-to-face and to speak with their attorneys regularly over the past few days. This is a very difficult time for them, but they have acted and reacted with dignity and grace. We are grateful for their patience, understanding and cooperation with us.
As a lawyer and prosecutor, I am subject to special rules limiting my ability to make public comments about pending cases and defendants in criminal matters. For these reasons, my office cannot comment on the merits of the case. By law, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
My role is to hold accountable those who harm others unlawfully, regardless of profession. This office does not dictate nor comment upon police policy, training and procedure. I am, however, deeply concerned when those who are sworn to serve and protect violate the public’s trust.
It is extremely important to me that I be open and transparent with the public about the legal proceedings and the continuing investigation into this matter.
This case involves members of the North Charleston Police Department. Shortly after the incident Mayor Keith Summey and Police Chief Edward Driggers, though not required by law, wisely chose to immediately request that the case be independently investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). As in any case, SLED has briefed me continually throughout the investigation and we have met on multiple occasions. I have advised them on many of the legal aspects of the investigation and the charges. We remain united in our approach to this investigation and prosecution.
Moving forward, we will continue to analyze and evaluate the evidence in this case, working with SLED to seek an indictment(s). Unlike other states, South Carolina does not have an investigative grand jury system for our counties. Our Charleston Grand Jury will not meet again until the month of May.
My office is committed to notifying the public and the media if/when the Charleston County Grand Jury returns indictment(s) against the Defendant and when other court hearings are scheduled.
The Defendant has made an appearance at bond court. Because of the nature of the charge, South Carolina law requires that bond be set by a Circuit Court judge. At this time, we have not received a defense request for bond. When/if we do, the public will be notified as to the time and place of the hearing.”
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