Ahmaud Arbery Hate Crime Trial Jury Selection Continues: Report

BRUNSWICK, GA — Ten potential jurors were dismissed this week for saying they would be unable to remain impartial, and several others voiced beliefs that racial problems in America were overblown during a federal hate crimes trial for the three white men convicted for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, according to a report from Fox Atlanta.

During jury selection Tuesday, one potential juror said hate crimes were "damaging to society" and voiced the opinion that race shouldn't be a factor since committing a crime is wrong no matter the race of either party. The woman was ultimately allowed to continue as a potential juror.

Father and son Gregory and Travis McMichael and their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan Jr.,were all found guilty of murder and other charges in November 2021 for chasing and cornering Arbery, a 25-year-old unarmed Black man, as he ran through their Satilla Shores neighborhood in February 2020. While the McMichaels had guns, Bryan did not, and instead shot video of the pursuit and shooting.

All three were sentenced to life in prison last month, with Bryan receiving the possibility of parole after 30 years.

The three men invoked Georgia's citizen's arrest law and claimed self-defense in the killing of Arbery after he explored an unfinished home during a run on Feb. 23, 2020.

Related: Ahmaud Arbery's Killers Sentenced To Prison For Vigilante Murder

Now, all three face accusations in U.S. District Court that the killing was motivated by racism and that they targeted Arbery because he was Black, violating his civil rights.

A federal grand jury in April 2021 indicted the men on hate crimes charges.

All three men are charged with one count of interference with civil rights and attempted kidnapping. The McMichaels were also charged with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The November convictions played a role in the dismissal of 10 jurors Tuesday as they said they already thought they were guilty, according to Fox Atlanta report.

The McMichaels will spend the rest of their lives in prison, with life sentences plus an additional 20 years each, while Bryan will have the chance for parole after 30 years.

Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley offered harsh comments to the McMichaels for their actions in the incident.

"This was a killing," Walmsley said. "It was callous and occurred far as the court is concerned based upon the evidence because a confrontation was being sought."