Aug 9, 2022:
https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-u-s-news/men-face-sentencing-for-hate-crimes-in-ahmaud-arberys-death
Feb 22, 2022:
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/595292-ahmaud-arbery-killers-convicted-on-federal-hate-crime-charges
Feb 21, 2022:
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/595217-ahmaud-arbery-killers-hate-crime-trial-goes-to-jury
Feb 16, 2022:
https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/ahmaud-arbery-case-racist-posts-introduced-at-hate-crimes-trial/UD4FLRFCVRFJJM7ZETGWK436JA/
Feb 15, 2022:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ahmaud-arberys-killer-repeatedly-used-racial-slurs-prosecutor-says-hat-rcna16266
Feb 14, 2022:
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/594160-hate-crimes-trial-begins-in-ahmaud-arbery-killing
https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/14/us/ahmaud-arbery-hate-crime-trial-opening/index.html
Feb 8, 2022:
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/593110-jury-selection-underway-in-hate-crimes-trial-of-three-men-convicted
Feb 4, 2022:
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/592839-arbery-killer-withdraws-guilty-plea-in-hate-crimes-case-after
Jan 31, 2022:
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-prosecutors-reach-hate-crime-plea-deals-ahmaud-arbery-murder-court-filings-2022-01-31
Jan 7, 2022:
Judge sentences men convicted of Arbery murder to life in prison | The Hill
Dec 3, 2021:
GoFundMe spikes fundraisers for man convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery | The Hill
Nov 25, 2021:
Arbery's mother says 'he didn't lose his life in vain' | The Hill
Nov 24, 2021:
All three men charged in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery were found guilty of multiple counts of murder.
Travis McMichael was found guilty of all nine counts brought against him, including malice murder.
Gregory McMichael was found guilty of four counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of criminal attempt to commit a felony.
William "Roddie" Bryan was found guilty of three counts of felony murder, one count of aggravated assault, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of criminal attempt to commit a felony.
Kevin Gough, an attorney representing Bryan, said he will file a motion for a new trial on behalf of Bryan next week.
Source:
Schnell, Mychael. (November 24, 2021). "All 3 men in Arbery killing found guilty of murder". The Hill. Retrieved 2021-12-08
In a statement, President Joe Biden said the following regarding the Arbery verdict:
While the guilty verdicts reflect our justice system doing its job, that alone is not enough. Instead, we must recommit ourselves to building a future of unity and shared strength, where no one fears violence because of the color of their skin.
Source:
Gangitano, Alex. (November 24, 2021). "Biden: Guilty verdicts in Arbery case 'not enough'". The Hill. Retrieved 2021-12-08
Arbery jury asks to see videos, hear 911 call | The Hill
Nov 23, 2021:
Arbery case goes to jury | The Hill
Nov 20, 2021:
Defense attorney in Arbery case describes treatment of his client as 'public lynching' | The Hill
Nov 18, 2021:
Co-defendant testifies Ahmaud Arbery did not threaten him | The Hill
Arbery prosecutors grill defendant McMichael in cross-examination | The Hill
Defense attorneys rest their cases at Arbery death trial | The Hill
Nov 17, 2021:
Man who shot Arbery testifies: 'He had my gun. He struck me' | Associated Press
Nov 15, 2021:
Judge in Arbery case rebukes defense lawyer, calls comments 'reprehensible' | Hill
Nov 11, 2021:
Nov 9, 2021:
Testimony: Ahmaud Arbery slaying defendant changed his story | Associated Press
Nov 5, 2021:
Prosecutor says the McMichaels chased Ahmaud Arbery for 5 minutes before killing him | NPR
Nov 4, 2021:
Arbery death trial dominated by race before it even begins | Associated Press
Nov 3, 2021:
In United States courts, lawyers are allowed to employ what's called a "peremptory challenge" to reject (strike) a potential juror. That means lawyers can reject a potential juror without providing a reason or explanation for the rejection. Batson v. Kentucky (U.S. Supreme Court, 1986) decided that a peremptory challenge is unconstitutional if it is motivated by race.
Today in the Arbery case, for over two hours arguments were heard as to why lawyers for the defense asked to strike eight potential Black jurors. Prosecutors argued that defense lawyers disproportionately rejected qualified Black people and based their decisions solely on race. Ultimately, Judge Timothy Walmsley ruled there were valid reasons, beyond race, for the strikes, and he allowed a jury of 11 white people and one Black person to be seated.
Walmsley also stated that "This court has found that there appears to be intentional discrimination."
Source:
Michaels, Samantha. (November 3, 2021). "Judge Okays Racist Jury Selection in Trial Over Ahmaud Arbery's Killing". Mother Jones. Retrieved 2021-11-06
Billeaud, Jacques. (November 3, 2021). "EXPLAINER: How the Arbery trial got a nearly all-white jury". Associated Press. Retrieved 2021-11-06
1 Black juror and 11 white jurors will hear the trial in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery | NPR
Nov 2, 2021:
Potential jurors come with strong opinions in racially charged Ahmaud Arbery killing | NPR
Oct 18, 2021:
Jury selection began today. About 1,000 people were summoned.
Source:
Bynum Russ. (October 8, 2021). "Jury selection begins in trial over Ahmaud Arbery's death". Associated Press. Retrieved 2021-11-07
Sep 2, 2021:
Former City of Brunswick District Attorney Jackie Johnson was indicted on charges of Violation of Oath of Public Officer and Obstruction of a Police Officer. The indictment is related to the investigation surrounding the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery.
Source:
Oshin, Olafinihan. (September 2, 2021). "Former Georgia prosecutor indicted for showing 'favor' to suspects in Arbery case". The Hill. Retrieved 2021-11-07
(September 2, 2021). "Carr Announces Indictment of former Brunswick DA for Violation of Oath of Public Officer and Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer". State of Georgia/Office of the Attorney General . Retrieved 2021-11-07
May 12, 2021:
The three defendants want a judge to allow evidence of Arbery's criminal record and mental health issues in the upcoming trial.
Source:
Oliveira, Nelson, Olafinihan. (September 2, 2021). "Murder suspects want jury to hear about Ahmaud Arbery's criminal record, mental health". Daily News. Retrieved 2021-11-16
May 11, 2021:
Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan Jr. pleaded not guilty to federal charges of hate crimes and attempted kidnapping.
Source:
Bynum, Russ. (May 11, 2021). "Men plead not guilty to hate crimes in Ahmaud Arbery death". Associated Press. Retrieved 2021-11-16
Apr 28, 2021:
Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan Jr. were indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia on charges of hate crimes and attempted kidnapping.
Source:
Bowman, Emma. (July 17, 2020). "3 Men Indicted On Federal Hate Crime Charges In Ahmaud Arbery Killing". NPR. Retrieved 2021-11-16
(April 28, 2021). "Three Georgia Men Charged with Federal Hate Crimes and Attempted Kidnapping in Connection with the Death of Ahmaud Arbery". justice.gov. Retrieved 2021-11-16
Feb 23, 2021:
Wanda Cooper, the mother of Ahmaud Arbery, filed a multi-million dollar civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
The suit states that the three men charged with Arbery's murder "willfully and maliciously conspired to follow, threaten, detain and kill" Arbery, and that they "were motivated to deprive Ahmaud Arbery of equal protection of the law and his rights by racial bias, animus, discrimination."
Source:
Booker, Brakkton. (February 23, 2021). "Mother Of Ahmaud Arbery Files Civil Lawsuit On Anniversary Of Son's Killing". NPR. Retrieved 2021-12-08
Nov 13, 2020:
Father And Son Charged With Murder In Ahmaud Arbery Killing Are Denied Bond | NPR
Jul 17, 2020:
Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan Jr. pleaded not guilty to charges of malice and felony murder.
Source:
Doubeck, James. (July 17, 2020). "Men Charged With Murder Of Ahmaud Arbery Plead Not Guilty". NPR. Retrieved 2021-11-16
Jun 24, 2020:
At the Glynn County courthouse in Brunswick, Georgia, Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William "Roddie" Bryan Jr. were indicted by a grand jury on charges including malice and felony murder.
Source:
Brumback, Kate. (June 24, 2020). "3 men indicted on murder charges in killing of Ahmaud Arbery". Associated Press. Retrieved 2021-11-07
The killing of Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed black jogger in Georgia, explained | Vox
Jun 4, 2020:
At a probable cause hearing, Magistrate Court Judge Wallace Harrell decided there is sufficient evidence for the cases against Greg McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan to advance to trial.
During the hearing, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Richard Dial testified that during a May 13, 2020 interview, William "Roddie" Bryan told him that Travis McMichael uttered a racial epithet shortly after fatally shooting Arbery.
Source:
McLaughlin, Eliot C. (June 4, 2020). "Ahmaud Arbery was hit with a truck before he died, and his killer allegedly used a racial slur, investigator testifies". CNN. Retrieved 2021-11-16
Associated Press; Donaghue, Erin.(June 4 ,2020). "Judge advances murder case against 3 men in Ahmaud Arbery's death". CBS News. Retrieved 2021-11-16
May 22, 2020:
GBI says neighbor who videotaped Ahmaud Arbery's killing just as responsible as shooters | Fox News
May 21, 2020:
William "Roddie" Bryan Jr. (the person who shot the Arbery video) was arrested on charges of felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.
Earlier this week, Bryan's attorney stated the following:
Roddie Bryan is not now, and has never been, more than a witness to the shooting. He is not a vigilante. Roddie did not participate in the horrific killing of this young man. Mr. Bryan has committed no crime, and bears no criminal responsibility in the death of Ahmaud Arbery.
Source:
Bynum, Russ. (May 21, 2020). "Man who filmed Arbery shooting video charged in his slaying". Associated Press. Retrieved 2021-11-13
May 18, 2020:
Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley (based 70 miles north in Savannah) was appointed to preside over the Arbery case.
Source:
Coleman, Justine. (May 18, 2020). "Outside judge appointed to Ahmaud Arbery case". The Hill. Retrieved 2021-11-13
May 17, 2020:
Law enforcement ties, long delay complicate Arbery case
May 10, 2020:
Kemp signs bill repealing citizen's arrest law after Ahmaud Arbery shooting | The Hill
May 8, 2020:
Neighbor of father and son arrested in Ahmaud Arbery killing is also under investigation | NBC News
May 7, 2020:
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced the arrests of Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael. Both are charged with aggravated assault and murder in the death of Ahmaud Arbery.
Source:
Madoni, Doha. (May 7, 2020). "Father and son arrested and charged with murder in death of Ahmaud Arbery". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-11-13
Georgia family demands arrests 2 months after son shot dead | Associated Press
May 5, 2020:
Lee Merritt, an attorney for the Arbery family, released a video which shows some of what happened during the confrontation on February 23, 2020.
In the video you can see Arbery running down a street in front of the vehicle from where the video was shot. Arbery appears to be running at a slow to moderate pace and is about 6-8 car lengths ahead of the vehicle. You can also see a white pickup truck in the distance, stopped in the road with the driver's side door open, not far ahead in the direction of which Arbery is running.
Then, you see what appears to be Arbery on the right side of the white pickup truck move across the front of the truck and reappear on the left front side of the truck, engaged with a man (assumed to be Travis) as they appear to wrestle with a shotgun in Travis's possession. You also see a brief closeup of a person standing in the bed of the truck (assumed to be Gregory).
Finally, you see Arbery being shot by Travis at point blank range.
Source:
Burke, Minyvonne. (May 6, 2020). "Video appears to show Georgia man shot while jogging; lawyers call for arrests". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-11-10
Griffith, Janelle. (May 11, 2020). "Ahmaud Arbery shooting: A timeline of the case". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-11-11
New video shows Ahmaud Arbery chased for 4 minutes by father and son who shot him: lawyer | Fox News
GBI to launch state investigation into Brunswick area shooting | Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Apr 30, 2020:
Black man shot dead while jogging in Georgia, and two months later, no arrests | NBC News
Apr 13, 2020:
Thomas Durden, the district attorney for Georgia's Atlantic Judicial Circuit, became responsible for the Arbery case. Durden announced his intention to present the case to the next available Glynn County grand jury.
Source:
Griffith, Janelle. (May 11, 2020). "Ahmaud Arbery shooting: A timeline of the case". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-11-11
Apr 3, 2020:
George Barnhill, one of the prosecutors who first handled the Arbery case, recused himself. In his recusal letter Barnhill said the three (Gregory McMichael, and William "Roddie" Bryan Jr.) had "solid first hand probable cause" to pursue Arbery, and that Arbery was a "burglary suspect." In the letter Barnhill also stated "It appears their intent was to stop and hold this criminal suspect until law enforcement arrived."
In addition, Barnhill said he watched the video of the shooting (assumed to be at a later time, since the video wasn't released until May 5), and that because Arbery initiated the fight and grabbed the shotgun, under Georgia state law Travis McMichael "was allowed to use deadly force to protect himself."
Source:
Griffith, Janelle. (May 11, 2020). "Ahmaud Arbery shooting: A timeline of the case". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-11-11
Burke, Minyvonne. (May 8, 2020). "Neighbor of father and son arrested in Ahmaud Arbery killing is also under investigation". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-11-11
Feb 27, 2020:
Jackie Johnson, the Brunswick area district attorney, recused herself from the Arbery case. Johnson said that Gregory McMichael is a former Glynn County police office who was an investigator in her office for more than 30 years before his retirement in May of 2019.
Source:
Griffith, Janelle. (May 11, 2020). "Ahmaud Arbery shooting: A timeline of the case". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-11-11
Feb 23, 2020:
Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man, was shot and killed in the Satilla Shores neighborhood of Brunswick, Georgia.
Arbery was apparently jogging through the neighborhood when he was chased by two white men in a pickup truck who suspected Arbery might be a burglar.
The two white men, Gregory McMichael and his son Travis McMichael were armed with a .357 Magnum and a shotgun, respectively.
According to police, a third man identified as "Roddy" joined the chase and jumped into the pickup truck with Gregory and Travis.
A confrontation occurred, and as a result Arbery was killed by two shotgun blasts.
Gregory McMichael told police that he shouted "Stop, stop we want to talk to you" at Arbery at some point during the chase.
Source:
Li, David K. (April 30, 2020). "Black man shot dead while jogging in Georgia, and two months later, no arrests". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-11-09
Commentary:
If you want to talk to someone (as stated by Gregory McMichael), how do you think it might affect them if you show up carrying a firearm? Do you think it might make them a bit nervous, suspicious, or afraid of your true intent? Do you think it might have an affect on their demeanor and perhaps make them somewhat defensive right from the "get go?"
Imagine you're a Black man in the southern state of Georgia being chased by two white men. How do you think that might affect you then?
If what you want to do is talk, then why are you showing up with a firearm?
More:
Commentary:
Are you kidding me? A racially-charged case like this and only one Black juror?
How do you think the three men charged with Arbery's murder and their defense team would feel and react if the jury consisted of 11 Black jurors and only one White?
Even the judge presiding over the case stated his concerns about this (adding that he was limited in terms of Georgia law).
This is a gross miscarriage of justice for Ahmaud Arbery, his family, and people of color.
Rules and regulations regarding jury selection in the U.S. need to be changed so that trials are fair and free of racial bias. Read about what's being done to address this in an Associated Press article and a Mother Jones article.