Self-defense law varies widely from state to state, with some common principles. Had Arbery taken one step into the McMichaels’ home after breaking in, I would see no need for any arrest or trial if the McMichaels unloaded every firearm in the house to stop him from taking a second step inside.
But this wasn’t in their home. They chased after Arbery through public roads, attempted to block him in and detain him multiple times (this is from Gregory McMichael’s own statement to police, which he made by the way without any lawyer present). And on the third attempt at stopping Arbery, something happened outside the view of the video between Travis McMichael and Arbery at the front of the McMichaels’ truck and then a struggle began. If we had clear video and audio of Travis McMichael behaving in a non-threatening manner when Arbery suddenly attacked without reason, I could still get behind it being an easy case of self defense.
What we actually have is a poor quality video, shaky, at a distance, no clear audio, and no view whatsoever of either Arbery or Travis McMichael at the front of the truck. With that lack of clarity as to what exactly started the fight, we must default to a trial to legally establish what took place as best we can. When Travis McMichael and Arbery met at the front of the truck, either man could have become the aggressor. If Travis McMichael threatened Arbery’s life, Arbery had a right to self defense, including grabbing the weapon. If no threat (through word or action) was made, Arbery was the aggressor.
Here is the video, slowed down to frame-by-frame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywenRJU0qdE
At 1:13, we lose sight of both Arbery and Travis McMichael. Arbery has run past the passenger side of the truck. Travis McMichael has moved from the driver side of the truck to the front of the truck toward Arbery’s path. We lose sight of both men and the next time we see either of them, they’re engaged in a fight for the shotgun. A fair trial by an impartial jury is fully warranted given the circumstances.
Yes, FReepers know that self-defense laws vary from state to state. And we know that this wasn’t at the shooter’s home and know further that self-defense laws prevail outside the home in Georgia. We’re also familiar with the open carry laws in Georgia.
We understand the Presumption of Innocence and the concept of Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.
My belief is that your appearance at Free Republic and your attempts at spreading of subtle FUD related to this self-defense shooting is not coincidence but will be the beginning of a long term jihad. Your user name (nice touch, by the way) doesn’t camouflage what is to me your evident intent.