Racist text messages discussed in federal hate crimes case against Ahmaud Arbery's killers

Whether racist text messages will be allowed as evidence in the hate crimes trial of three white men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery is one topic that will be discussed at a scheduled Friday hearing.

Several issues, some public some not, are on the federal court docket in Brunswick.

Travis McMichael, his father Greg, and their neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan were convicted in November of killing the 25-year-old Arbery, who is Black, as he ran through their suburban Georgia neighborhood. They were sentenced to life in prison in December.

All three now face hate crime and kidnapping charges in federal court. The McMichaels also face federal gun charges.

[spookyx]

“They are highly inflammatory and would create bias amongst the jury”. Prosecutors intention exactly. How else do they prove hate crime. Lawyer’s argument is “Your honor, do not admit this evidence because it would convict my client “?

I thought my life was bad lol, but life without the possibility of parole and have to return to court just to be nailed some more? Damn my life is amazing!!!

[grayroger]

This prosecution have done such a stellar job so far. Keeping the murder case clean of any of the racist elements only to highlight it in a new federal case. Set an example out of these imbeciles so any people that relate to them or support them in any way can learn from their wrongdoings. This case is for all the small-minded bigots that love to discriminate.

[atsylor]

Are they saying during a hate crime trial you can’t use the defendants own hate filled words to prove their crime was based upon hatred. The argument is a bit silly. Because I’m pretty sure the only way you can prove something is a hate crime is if the defendant opens their mouth to express their hatred

[rickeedavenport]

Them thinking they were so right in what they were doing and did.... Keeps me from having any empathy for them!!!

[caipirinha_king]

I always taught my kids that once you hit that send key, that message doesn’t belong to you anymore.

[hollowtrans]

This evidence shouldn't be shown because it will prove guilt. Wow

[theorangepekoeteabagband]

"Highly inflammatory" evidence is evidence that proves beyond any reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of what they are being accused of. Highly inflammatory evidence is exactly the kind of evidence that *should* be allowed in any court case. To deny highly inflammatory evidence is a genuine well-thought-out intention by the defense to deny justice. No judge should ever deny evidence that proves guilt OR innocence.

[deanzellet]

What is this bs? Highly inflammatory?? This needs to be seen and heard by everyone... How else are we supposed to learn and move on?? The minute someone commits a crime, specially murder; everything should be on the table... EVERYTHING!!!

[Lmwpitt]

Defence Attorney: I object!
Judge: On what grounds..?
Defence Attorney: Because it's devastating to my case!

[SaharaColeman]

Don’t ONLY discuss the text messages but ALSO what was said to Ahmaud when he was laying on the ground! Racism played a huge part from beginning to end.

[lindahenry]

Their lawyers targeted Ahmed past history, so their past history is fair game.

[Churd]

I love how so many folks were saying these guys weren't racist. Yeah right.

[markb]

Imagine that--- letting evidence influence a jury's

[chi-townvirgolife]

How can you keep out relevant evidence in a hate crime case?

[ronaldgiroux]

You’d think these clowns would be throwing themselves at the mercy of the court at this point but have opted to make this trial into a ridiculous clown show of, “I’m not racist, my texts may be but I’m not!”

[oneblessedladyallsbrook]

Keep the messages out of the public for what? They boldly texted whatever it was so boldly publish it. Consequences will be whatever they are. As long as they publish the truth. Them demons earned everything they got coming to them.

[archangelvvv]

The McMichaels need to write a book Titled: "How We Went From Our Living Room Couch To The Penitentiary In 10 Minutes Flat"

[ernesto]

Those texts will be a CONFESSION OF A HATE CRIME !!!

[nc]

So the defence are essentially arguing "You cannot release the racist text messages because they will convince the jury that my clients are in fact racists".