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WFAE's coverage of the case of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Randall Kerrick charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of Jonathan Ferrell. The court case ended in a mistrial.

Kerrick Case Goes To Jury

Davie Hinshaw
/
Charlotte Observer

Update, 1:15 p.m.
 Jurors have picked a foreman and are now on lunch break. They will begin deliberations at 2:40 p.m.

Update, 12:20 p.m.
Closing arguments ended at 12:17 p.m in the Randall Kerrick police shooting trial. Prosecutor Adren Harris told the jury that Kerrick had enough time - five seconds - to reholster his gun and use a non-lethal weapon as Jonathan Ferrell was running toward officers on Sept. 14, 2013.

"The defendant, ladies and gentleman, had enough time. Time when Jonathan begins running, until the first shots are fired, to reholster his weapon. He had enough time to reholster that weapon and transition to his Taser, his baton, his spray,” Harris said, noting that Kerrick is a “well-trained officer.”

Defense attorney George Laughrun said Kerrick had four seconds to make a decision. He argued that it makes no sense to believe that Kerrick had time to reholster his weapon and decide to fight.

"Does that make sense for this officer to reholster his firearm and go hands-on with somebody who has blown through a Taser, who is obviously a suspect in a crime of violence–a breaking and entering charge, burglary…who has failed to heed commands, who has failed to stop? Does it makes sense for an officer to reholster is firearm and say, ‘Hey buddy, let’s fight.”’? Laughrun said.

0818kerricknoonnewscast.mp3
WFAE noon newscast, 08/18/18.

  We will have more on this story throughout the day online and during All Things Considered.