Jury Hears Key Testimony in Ahmaud Arbery Killing Case

USUnited States|

In a critical trial in Brunswick, Georgia, the jury has begun to hear testimony regarding the actions of former District Attorney Jackie Johnson in the aftermath of Ahmaud Arbery's fatal shooting in February 2020. The trial focuses on allegations that Johnson interfered with the police investigation of Arbery's killing.

During testimony on Wednesday, police investigator Roderic Nohilly recounted his initial interactions with Travis McMichael, the shooter, stating that McMichael was told he was not being arrested shortly after the incident. "You're going home today," Nohilly said, highlighting the lack of immediate action following the shooting, which occurred during a chase initiated by McMichael, his father, and a neighbor who claimed to suspect Arbery of theft.

No arrests were made until graphic video footage of the shooting surfaced online, prompting the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to take over the case. Johnson, who was the top prosecutor in Glynn County at the time, is accused of recommending that a neighboring district attorney, George E. Barnhill, oversee the investigation without disclosing Barnhill's previous conclusions that the shooting was justified.

Johnson's defense argues that she did not recommend Barnhill's involvement and that police made the decision not to arrest the McMichaels without any prosecutor's influence. Nohilly testified that during his interview with Travis McMichael, he did not believe an arrest was imminent, noting that investigators were still gathering evidence.

The trial continues as testimony from various witnesses sheds light on the actions and decisions made in the early days following Arbery's death, emphasizing the complexities surrounding the case that sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

Scientists Urge Protection for Unique Underwater Ecosystem, the Lost City

Scientists are increasingly concerned about the preservation of the Lost City Hydrothermal Field, discovered in 2000, located over 700 meters below the ocean west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. With stunning carbonate spires reaching heights of up to 60 meters, the area has hosted a unique ecosystem for at least 120,000 years, continually venting hydrogen and methane into the ocean, according to microbiologist William Brazelton. Recent research revealed a core sample measuring 1,268 meters from the field, which could provide insights into the origins of life on Earth (The Smithsonian, 2024). The possibility of mining operations due to rising interest in deep-sea resources poses a significant threat, as any disruption could damage the delicate habitat. Experts are advocating for the Lost City to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site to ensure its protection, emphasizing the need for action before it is too late. This ecosystem, distinguished by its ability to sustain life without sunlight, could parallel habitats on moons like Enceladus or Europa, highlighted by researchers as potential sites for extraterrestrial life (Smithsonian, 2018).
USUnited States

Warren Buffett's Historic Sell-Off Signals Caution for Wall Street in 2025

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has executed a record stock sell-off, liquidating $127 billion more in shares than it purchased in the first three quarters of 2024. This aggressive strategy, including selling $133 billion in stocks against just $6 billion in purchases, raises concerns about below-average market performance in the coming year, according to financial analysts. Buffett's approach contrasts sharply with his company's hefty cash reserves, which stood at $325 billion at the end of Q3 2024, as reported by Nasdaq. Historically, when Berkshire has opted for more selling than buying, such as during the last seven years since 2010, the S&P 500 has delivered lower-than-average returns. Experts are particularly wary due to the S&P 500's high cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings ratio of 37.9, well above its 20-year average of 27. Morgan Stanley's chief investment officer, Mike Wilson, suggests that investors should adopt a selective approach while potentially holding more cash to capitalize on future buying opportunities, considering the challenging market landscape ahead.
USUnited States

Elon Musk Labels USAID a "Criminal Organization" Amid Controversy

Elon Musk has criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), branding it a “criminal organization" during a recent exchange on his social media platform X. His comments followed the controversial removal of two senior security officials from the agency, who were placed on administrative leave for restricting access to classified documents for staff affiliated with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (CNN). Musk's accusations included unfounded claims that USAID funded bioweapons research linked to COVID-19 fatalities, which some officials suggest may stem from Russian disinformation efforts. In tandem, former President Donald Trump reaffirmed his intention to reshape the agency, labeling it as being "run by radical lunatics" (AFP). This turmoil occurs against a backdrop of higher scrutiny of government expenditure, with reports indicating that Trump may seek to consolidate USAID into the State Department. Critics, including Senator Chris Murphy and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have condemned these actions, arguing that they threaten national security (PBS). The future of USAID as an independent agency remains uncertain.
USUnited States