Ahmaud Arbery killers found guilty in federal hate crime trial

Brunswick, Georgia – The three white men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery have been found guilty on all counts in the federal hate crimes trial.

William "Roddie" Bryan (l.), Gregory McMichael (c.), and Travis McMichael (c.r.) were found guilty of committing federal hate crimes on Tuesday.
William "Roddie" Bryan (l.), Gregory McMichael (c.), and Travis McMichael (c.r.) were found guilty of committing federal hate crimes on Tuesday.  © Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire & ZUMA Press

On Tuesday, Travis McMichael (36), his father Gregory McMichael (66), and their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan (52) were found guilty of committing federal hate crimes by a jury at the US District Court in Brunswick, Georgia.

The predominantly white jury deliberated for roughly four hours over two days to reach the unanimous verdict, according to Reuters.

All three men were found to have violated Arbery's civil rights by chasing him down and attacking him because of his race. They were also found guilty of committing an attempted kidnapping.

In addition, the McMichaels' were also convicted on a federal firearms charge.

The hate crimes conviction is the most serious, and holds a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Following the guilty verdict, Reuters reported that Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, spoke to a small crowd outside the courthouse.

""Ahmaud will continue to rest in peace but he will now begin to rest in power" Cooper-Jones said.

The McMichaels and Bryan were all found guilty of murdering Arbery by a jury on November 24, 2021, and were each given their own life sentences.

While Travis and Gregory Mcmichaels' sentencing did not come with the possibility of parole, Bryan's did.

Prior to the hate crimes trial beginning, The McMichaels had reached a plea deal agreement that would've kept them out of court. However, Judge Lisa G. Wood rejected the deal.

"Given the unique circumstances of this case and my desire to hear from all concerned regarding the sentencing before I pronounce sentence, I am not comfortable accepting the terms of the plea agreement," Judge Wood said at the time.

The McMichaels and Bryan have 14 days to file appeals, and sentencing will be set at a later date.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire & ZUMA Press

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