Michael Slager, 33, has remained behind bars and in isolation ever since he was arrested in April for the fatal shooting of the unarmed 50-year-old man. The shooting was captured on camera by a witness and posted online, leading to nationwide outrage.
Slager had pleaded with the court to release him on house arrest so that he could be with his infant son, who was born shortly after he was arrested.
“I’m not a flight risk to the community or a danger,” Slager pleaded with the judge.
The incident began on April 4, when Scott was pulled over for a busted brake light and had exited his vehicle in an attempt to flee the scene. As Slager caught up, the officer tased him as Scott continued to try to run.
Slager then shot Scott eight times in the back.
Feidin Santana, the witness who filmed the incident, initially did not release the video out of fear of retaliation, but opted to when it became clear that the officer’s version of events did not match up to what was captured in the video.
Slager faces a possible 30 years to life without parole if convicted. The trial is expected to take place some time in 2016.
