Cell video leads to arrest of officer accused of murder

Cell phone video in the shooting death of an unarmed man in Charleston, South Carolina is a key factor in the case.

Because of the video, the police department fired officer Michael Slager and Slager is now charged with murder in the death of Walter Scott.

“I almost couldn’t look at it,” said Judy Scott, Walter’s mother. “To see my son running defenselessly, being shot. It just tore my heart to pieces.”

Murder charges are rare for an officer in the line of duty. Hundreds of deadly encounters involving officers happen each year, but most are deemed justified.

In Southern Colorado, a Rocky Ford police officer is awaiting trial for a second degree murder charges. James Ashby is accused of shooting Jack Jacquez in the back in October 2014. Ashby’s trial is set to start in July.