Jan 23, 2025 Story by: Editor
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — Jury selection began Tuesday, January 21, in a Georgia courtroom where over 200 potential jurors were summoned to determine if they can impartially serve in the trial of Jackie Johnson, a former district attorney accused of obstructing the investigation into the 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery.
Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man, was chased and fatally shot by three white men in pickup trucks while jogging through a residential neighborhood. Johnson, who served as district attorney at the time, faces allegations of misconduct and is standing trial in the same courthouse where Arbery’s killers were convicted of murder in 2021.
Juror Screening Process
Senior Judge John R. Turner dismissed 15 potential jurors on Tuesday after questioning revealed they had already formed strong opinions about the case due to media coverage, social media discussions, or conversations with family members. Additionally, over 40 individuals were excused based on their written responses to a questionnaire probing biases or personal hardships that could hinder their ability to serve.
One potential juror wrote on the questionnaire, “She interfered with the investigation and let convicted murderers go,” adding in court that Johnson had provided “special treatment” to Arbery’s attackers. This individual was excused.
Conversely, a woman who stated, “I don’t really think what she did was wrong,” was also dismissed. She told the court she believed Johnson was merely “doing her job” and had “pretty much” decided the former prosecutor should be acquitted.
Others excused included a man who said Johnson’s prosecution “smells like a witch hunt to me” and another who claimed most attorneys are “egotistical jerks and are arrogant.”
Trial Logistics
Judge Turner anticipates the jury selection process will extend through the week, especially given weather-related disruptions. Proceedings were adjourned early on Tuesday due to forecast snow showers, with court canceled on Wednesday as snow and ice threatened the area.
Approximately 210 people reported for jury duty out of the 500 notices sent, Superior Court Clerk Rebecca Walden confirmed. Many others were excused beforehand or had undeliverable summonses. Jurors will be questioned about their knowledge of Arbery’s killing and Johnson’s involvement to determine their impartiality. Walden predicts it may take a week to impanel a jury of 12 members plus alternates.
Case Background
The case stems from February 23, 2020, when Greg McMichael, a retired investigator for Johnson’s office, and his son Travis McMichael pursued Arbery after he ran past their home near Brunswick. Travis McMichael ultimately killed Arbery with a shotgun at close range while a neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, recorded the incident on video. The three men, who falsely suspected Arbery of theft, evaded arrest for over two months until the leaked video of the shooting sparked national outrage.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s office is prosecuting Johnson, alleging that she abused her position to protect Greg McMichael and delay the arrests. Prosecutors contend Johnson directed police not to arrest Travis McMichael and showed “favor and affection” toward Greg McMichael.
In September 2021, Johnson was indicted on charges of violating her oath of office, a felony punishable by one to five years in prison, and a misdemeanor count of hindering a law enforcement investigation. She has denied any wrongdoing, stating she promptly referred the case to an external prosecutor due to her ties to Greg McMichael.
All three men involved in Arbery’s killing were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2021. They were also found guilty of federal hate crimes in a 2022 trial.
Johnson, who was voted out of office in November 2020, attributes her defeat to the controversy surrounding Arbery’s death. Source: OPB
