Ex-officer’s plea satisfies family, alleviates trial burden
CHARLESTON, S.C. — It’s now up to a judge to decide the fate of a fired white officer who pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of a black motorist whose killing was recorded on a bystander’s cellphone. Michael Slager could get life in prison or as little as probation.
But prosecutors and the family of Walter Scott praised the plea agreement, because while Slager’s sentence remains uncertain, his admission of guilt is secure.
Some of Scott’s relatives are hoping Slager will be imprisoned for life by U.S. District Judge David Norton, a veteran jurist who was nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1990.
But Judy Scott said the simple fact that Slager has admitted guilt is allowing her to finally think of the future without her son.