Indicted
Slager is indicted by a grand jury on a murder charge in connection with the April shooting death Scott. Under South Carolina law, there is only a single murder charge, which was described by the prosecutor as an “unlawful killing with malice aforethought”.
As long as malice is proven in the heart and mind, the state has proven its case.
Slager’s attorney:
The grand jury is a formal step, but just another step in the criminal process. Until we have an opportunity to fully evaluate the state’s case and to compare it with our own investigation, we will not be commenting on any aspect of the case.
Scott’s family:
We are happy and pleased about that right now.
Judge assigned
South Carolina’s Supreme Court assigns Judge Newman to have exclusive jurisdiction over the case against former officer Slager. A release on the Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s Facebook page reads:
Judge Newman shall decide all matters pertaining to this case, including motions to appoint or relieve counsel, and shall retain jurisdiction over this case regardless of where he may be assigned to hold court and may schedule such hearings as may be necessary at any time without regard as to whether there is a term of court schedule.
Won’t face death penalty
Slager won’t face death penalty for shooting Scott. Charleston County’s chief prosecutor Scarlett Wilson:
Based on the facts revealed thus far, it does not appear South Carolina’s death penalty provision applies in this case because there are no statutory aggravating circumstances present.
Slager charged
The video is released to the public and Slager is charged with shooting and killing Scott. If convicted of murder, the officer could face life in prison, or he could be sentenced to the death penalty. Slager is booked into the county’s detention center and is being held without bail.