Bid to move trial of Alabama officer in black man’s death
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A lawyer for a white Alabama police officer charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a black man has asked a judge to move the upcoming trial, saying the community is filled with “racial prejudice and hatred” toward the officer.
Montgomery police Officer Aaron Smith faces a murder charge for the February death of 58-year-old Greg Gunn. Smith’s lawyer filed a motion seeking a change of venue, saying it would be impossible for Smith to receive a fair trial in the Deep South city where emotionally charged protests took place in the wake of the shooting.
“Therefore, to ensure that Mr. Smith receives a fair trial from an impartial jury of his peers, it is imperative that this matter be transferred to another county whereas it is obvious that the Montgomery County community has been infested with racial prejudice and hatred toward Mr. Smith that cannot be cured in any manner,” lawyer Mickey McDermott wrote.
The shooting death roiled the city. Yellow lawns signs reading “Justice for Greg Gunn” lined the streets in the neighbourhood where Gunn was shot. More than 200 mourners packed a memorial service for Gunn.