GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — The suspects in the Ahmaud Arbery murder case were in court Thursday for a preliminary hearing.
The hearing was for all three suspects Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael and William “Roddie” Bryan. They’re accused of killing the 25-year-old in February.
[SPECIAL SECTION: Ahmaud Arbery investigation]
Brunswick Mayor Cornell Harvey told Thomas locals and large groups coming from Atlanta have kept previous rallies peaceful. But he’s worried about others pushing the city over the edge.
“I’d say because everyone is on edge. This is a tense moment.”
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MINUTE-BY-MINUTE UPDATES
4:29 p.m. The judge has sent all three cases to the superior court. Proceedings are done for the day. All three men will remain in jail.
1:10 p.m. Court is now in recess for lunch.
1:01 p.m. A GBI agent said he believes Arbery fought back when he couldn’t get away from the McMichaels.
Gbi agent : I don’t think it was self defense by Mr.McMichael. I believe it was self defense by Mr. Arbery. @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
12:45 p.m. Arbery’s mother has left the courtroom.
Attorney escorted #AhmaudArbery mother out of courtroom and into a car . She had left courthouse . Attorney appeared to go back inside to listen to more testimony. @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
12:26 p.m. Channel 2′s Tony Thomas learned that the McMichaels were in such a rush to go after Arbery on a hunch he was a burglar, Greg McMichael rode in the pickup truck sitting on a child’s car seat, not wanting to take the time to move it.
Gbi : Greg McMichael had a gut instict that Arbery has committed a burglary. @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
11:55 a.m.:
GBI agents testifies that McMichael used the N-word several times online.
Travis McMichael asks Gbi agent if he knew of any previous instances where McMichael used the N word . Agent replies “yes many” and then details several times online . @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
11:45 a.m.:
GBI says they’ve been told Travis McMichael used a racial slur while standing over Arbery’s body.
Defense lawyer now cross examining GBI agent about Ahmaud Arbery case. First evidence of racial motive entered into testimony as GBI says they’ve been told Travis McMichael used a racial slur while standing over Arbery’s body. @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
11:29 a.m.:
Travis McMichael’s attorney begins cross-exam with the GBI agent. He asks the agent what records he has and what he’s still seeking. The agent said Gregory McMichael posted about the shooting on Facebook, and also revealed someone in the family posted a crime scene photo.
Travis McMichael atty Jason Sheffield begins cross-exam of GBI SAC Richard Dial. He asks what records Dial has & what he's still seeking. Dial says Gregory McMichael posted about the shooting on Facebook. Also: Someone in the McMichael family posted a crime scene photo @wsbradio pic.twitter.com/SK0d4Y8WqJ
— Veronica Waters (@MissVWaters) June 4, 2020
10:53 a.m.:
Greg McMichael called Bryan an ally in jailhouse recorded call, the GBI says.
Gbi: Greg McMichael called Bryan an ally in jailhouse recorded call. @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
10:47 a.m.:
GBI says Travis McMichael allegedly used the N-word on scene before police arrived.
Gbi just quoted statement allegedly from Travis McMichael on scene before police arrived where curse word and N word used . @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
10:36 a.m.:
The gun McMichael was carrying was issued when he worked for Glynn County Police Department. He hasn’t worked for department since 1989. He moved to the Brunswick Judicial circuit in 1995.
This is significant; The gun McMichael was carrying was issued when he worked for Glynn County PD?? He hasn’t worked for PD since ‘89 . Moved to the Brunswick Judicial circuit in ‘95. #AhmaudArbery https://t.co/jp1xwHr1Nv
— Nicole Carr (@NicoleCarrWSB) June 4, 2020
10:32 a.m.:
The GBI says the chase was like a game of “cat and mouse,” alleging that Bryan was actively taking part in it.
Gbi agent describing cat and mouse pursuit by McMichaels and Bryan of Arbery. Making case Bryan was actively involved in chase and tried to stop Arbery several times . @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
10:30 a.m.:
Prosecutors are laying out the case in Ahmaud Arbery case. The GBI lead agent says suspect William “Roddie” Bryan yelled out to McMichaels, ‘Do you got him?’ Before jumping in his truck and pursuing.
Prosecutors laying out the case in Ahmaud arbery case . Gbi lead agent says Suspect Roddie Bryan yelled out to McMichaels do you got him? Before jumping in his truck and pursuing . @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
9:30 a.m.:
Chief Magistrate Judge Wallace E. Harrell began the hearing inside the Glynn County Courthouse.
Hearing underway. @wsbtv
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 4, 2020
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