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Judge Declares Mistrial in Case of Former North Charleston Police Officer Michael Slager

Michael Slager at the Defense's table during his trial.
Grace Beahm/Post and Courier via Pool

The murder trial of former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager has ended in a mistrial. After a month long trial and four days of deliberation, the jurors were not able to reach a unanimous agreement.

The two conviction options included murder and voluntary manslaughter. Any verdict must have unanimous agreement.

The 35-year old white man was caught on cellphone video shooting a 50-year old black man in April of last year. The motorist was stopped because of a broken taillight. The incident captured on cellphone video shows Scott fleeing before Slager fatally shoots him.

Circuit Judge Newman thanked the jury for a valiant effort and hard work in trying to reach a verdict.

Scott’s family quickly left the court room in silence.

Slager still faces charges in federal court and the possibility of life in prison.