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August 24, 2015

Judge Declares Mistrial for Officer Who Killed Black College Student 
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In news from North Carolina, protests erupted at the Charlotte
courthouse after a judge declared a mistrial in the case of a white
police officer who fatally shot an unarmed African-American college
student who was seeking help after a car crash in 2013. Randall Kerrick,
the police officer, faced charges of voluntary manslaughter for shooting
24-year-old Jonathan Ferrell. According to prosecutors, the college
student had sought help from a homeowner after a car crash, but the
woman had called the police because she believed she was being robbed.
When officers arrived, one pointed the laser of his taser at Ferrell's
chest. Ferrell fled in fear and attempted to hide between the two police
cars. This brought Ferrell close to Officer Kerrick, who then opened
fire, striking Ferrell 12 times. On Friday, the jury said it was
deadlocked on whether to convict the officer.

 

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