Jury selection begins in Charlotte trial of officer accused of killing unarmed man

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Jury selection begins in Charlotte trial of officer accused of killing unarmed man

Associated Press in Charlotte, North Carolina
Monday 20 July 2015 13.42 BST

Jury selection is beginning in the trial of a white Charlotte police officer accused of fatally shooting an unarmed black man who was looking for help.

Prosecutors say Randall Kerrick fatally shot 24-year-old Jonathan Ferrell, a former Florida A&M football player, on 14 September 2013. Kerrick was arrested the day of the shooting. He was later indicted for voluntary manslaughter, which carries a prison sentence of up to 11 years.

Prosecutors say the shooting was a case of excessive force, while defense attorneys say Kerrick acted in self-defense.

Kerrick’s attorneys tried to get the case moved, saying extensive publicity makes it unlikely he can get a fair trial in Mecklenburg County. They say interest in the case has increased because of the national debate about race and aggressive police tactics.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/20/jury-trial-charlotte-officer-shooting-unarmed

[samsingh]

1. how the eff armed police who kill unarmed black people

often after smashing their heads onto the road and often shoot them multiple times - and when there are often several police people present - can claim self defense is completely criminal and bogus.