What is the policy there in SC. The cop tries to arrest the guy for what ever. The guy says fuck you and runs. What should the cop do? What was he told to do? If the cop can't make a collar, does it go on his record? It seems to me that many things could complicate Murder one. It seems at least one juror thinks so.
Not sure I think anyone would train anyone to shoot someone running away from you unarmed. If you find any example in the US that says otherwise, I would like to read it.
What should he do? Whatever answer one might come up with, the correct answer is not "shoot him in the back." What was he told to do? Unless he was told, "When a suspect is fleeing, you MUST shoot them in the back," then he disobeyed what he was told. And honestly, even if he WAS told that (which you and I both know he wasn't), it doesn't make it right. "I was just following orders" had never been an acceptable excuse for murder. Does inability to make the collar go on his record? I can't think of anything less relevant. His policing record is infinitely less significant than a man's life.
Well I guess this will set the new standard. Find this cop guilty of murder one, give him about 25 years. It won't make him any smarter but it will send the message to cops, Don't shoot anyone! Now why the hell will anyone pay any attention to the Cops? They are harmless, just run away instead of submitting to arrest.
What if the guy told the Cop, fuck you! I am going to get my rifle, and when I get back, you are dead cop.
A. Take defensive positioning, vocally alert public of a potential threat, radio for backup, remain aware of the individuals location. B. Pursue the suspect on foot, radio for backup, keep vision on the suspect, if the suspect acquires a fire-arm re-assess. 2B. If the suspect has a fire arm be prepared to use deadly force to protect your life, as well as the life of the general public. 3B. If the suspect had diarrhea and was lying to try and keep the cop away from them so that they could make it to the nearest McDonalds restroom - Catch your breath, order a Big-Mac, arrest the suspect for evading arrest once he vacates the shitter. C. Shoot the suspect in the back, become a murder, go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars.
Wow! Some good stuff here. Did the cop know all this? Still, I don't know if he should let the guy get the rifle though, I think he is fucked at that point.
Besides even if he did threaten the cop with a statement like that, he was out in the open and the cop fired multiple shots to kill. I'm unaware of where the entry wounds were, but I feel confident in my assumption that those were torso shots and not leg/hip shots. In other words this cop shot to kill, not to maim. The suspect obviously was not armed and aggressive at the time the shots were fired, so at the very least in this situation the cop should not have been seeking fatal action.
Then shooting him wouldn't be anywhere close to justified. There is no imminent threat. I imagine so; regardless, there is no justification for elevating one's own reputation or employment status over another's life.
So the cop is guilty of premeditated murder, even if he might know of a threat, unless he waits until the threat matures to imminent. Sounds like you only want the best, hang the rest.
No, it really isn't. It's basic humanity. No, not premeditated. IMO, second degree. But yes, a threat needs to be imminent in order to justify lethal force. Potential for a future threat isn't enough. I don't see what's so complicated about that.
From what I can see, second degree seems correct. But I think they charge him with First Degree. Apparently the jury can consider manslaughter if they can not agree on the murder charge. Geez, I would think more than one would have trouble with the First degree charge.
I think you have me confused with someone else. I totally support a cop to defending himself by leathal force. I do not support a cop killing someone that isn't a threat (no weapon, running away). I am equally against crooked cops to be on mafia payrolls or using their power to sell drugs. I'm sure you agree right?
I'm just surprised they (the jurors) did not come to a unanimous guilty verdict before this weekend. I have several friends within the Portland Police Bureau and they tell me about their difficulties all the time ranging from petty thieves to murderers. They have one of the most difficult jobs of all. I'm proud of the good cops protecting us from the adverse elements of our society. A few bad cops, like Slager, make it that much more difficult for the good cops.
