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Opening arguments are expected to begin Friday in the trial of three white men charged with murdering Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man.
The defendants are charged with the murder of an innocent man who was out for a run during daylight hours. The trial has been delayed after weeks of jury selection, court closures due to Covid-19 pandemic and early handling by the area’s then district attorney.
The shooting of Mr. Bryan caused a national outrage from people who believe he was targeted because of his race.
Gregory McMichael, 65 years old and Travis Mac Michael 35 are accused of chasing down to Mr. Arbery with two pickup trucks according court records . It is alleged that Gregory shot him three times from the front passenger seat while his sons chased after him on foot shooting at close range; 25 year old victim was unarmed during this attack (though he may have had drugs).
The men face charges including felony murder and aggravated assault. Federal prosecutors also have charged them with federal hate crimes in connection to the killing, but they are pleading not guilty at trial because their defense will be that it was self-defense or an accident!
The McMichaels told police they suspected Mr. Arbery was involved in recent trespasses on construction sites near their home, according to court records and an officer’s affidavit filed with the case files. Defense lawyers tried but failed at introducing evidence of mental history when arguing pretrial motions during a hearing last month before judge Timothy Walmsley who denied these requests
