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White South Carolina policeman charged with murder of black man

Xinhua, April 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

A white police officer in South Carolina was charged with murder on Tuesday for shooting dead an unarmed black man who was running away after a Saturday traffic stop.

According to a cell-phone video clip taken by a bystander, Michael Slager, a city patrolman, shot about eight times at Walter Scott as the 50-year-old victim was apparently running away from him.

Slager, 33, was arrested Tuesday shortly after the video was handed over to city authorities, facing death penalty or a term of 30 years to life in prison if convicted, said a statement by state authorities.

Slager said after the traffic stop, Scott took his Taser and he shot for fear of his life.

According to local media, Slager initially said through his attorney that he believed he followed policies and procedures when he shot Scott. However, his attorney announced that he would no longer represent the officer later Tuesday afternoon. Endi