CHARLESTON, S.C. – A state judge is allowing additional tests on a Taser that a white police officer used before he shot and killed a black man last year.
Former North Charleston officer Michael Slager is charged with murder in the April death of 50-year-old Walter Scott, who was running from a traffic stop. The shooting, captured on cellphone video, reignited the national debate about how blacks are treated by law enforcement officers.
Tests at the State Law Enforcement Division lab found the DNA of both men on the Taser, but didn't note where on the weapon. The defense contends new tests may show that Scott got control of the Taser before the shooting.
An order by Circuit Judge Clifton Newman filed Monday requires that the testing be completed by Feb. 12.
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