A former police officer has been sentenced to prison for killing an unarmed Black man.
On Thursday, a federal judge sentenced former North Charleston, South Carolina, police officer Michael Slager to 20 years in prison for the murder of Walter Scott back in 2015.
The decision came following four days of testimony. Prior to sentencing, the judge ruled that Michael Slager had committed second degree murder and obstruction of justice.
This is the second time Michael has stood trial for Walter Scott’s death. Last year, he managed to remain free when his trial ended in a mistrial.
Because the former officer had no prior criminal history (on record), he faces the the federal sentencing guideline for second degree murder — which is 19-24 years in prison.
It’s not quite the harsh punishment (first degree murder, life in prison) we were looking for — but the fact an officer has been found guilty of murder in the first place is a step in the right direction.
