Three Georgia men convicted in the 2020 murder of Ahmaud Arbery sought a new trial, arguing that juror bias affected their convictions. Travis McMichael's lawyer, Pete Donaldson, claimed that the jury was influenced by "outside influences" and "extraneous prejudicial information." Donaldson particularly focused on Juror 380, the sole Black juror, who bought a hot dog near a rally promoting justice for Arbery outside the courthouse. Juror 380 clarified, "I felt sorry for the family. After court started, I felt sorry for both sides," insisting that he remained unbiased.
During the 2021 trial, McMichael claimed he, his father Gregory McMichael, and neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan believed Arbery had burglarized a nearby home under construction and attempted a citizen's arrest. The encounter turned fatal when they pursued Arbery, and McMichael ultimately shot him.
Travis McMichael was convicted of malice murder, four counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and criminal intent to commit a felony, receiving life without parole. Gregory McMichael, a former officer, was also sentenced to life without parole, convicted on felony murder and other charges but not malice murder. Bryan was found guilty on several charges, including felony murder and aggravated assault, and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.
Bryan's legal team argued for a new trial, claiming ineffective representation that likely impacted his case. The 2020 killing gained national attention when Bryan's video of the confrontation, showing part of the shooting, leaked despite his cooperation with police.
The men were also convicted of federal hate crimes. The McMichaels received life sentences, while Bryan was sentenced to 35 years. During the federal sentencing, Gregory McMichael expressed remorse, telling Arbery's family, "I never wanted any of this to happen…there was no malice in my heart or my son's heart that day."
Attorney Donaldson acknowledged that obtaining a retrial is unlikely, citing his long career with few successful retrials, but he emphasized the importance of establishing a record to appeal to the Supreme Court. Judge Timothy Walmsley has yet to rule, allowing both sides a month to submit legal briefs.
Link: ABC News
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