Travis McMichael, the man who killed Ahmaud Arbery, was overheard calling the young black man a “fucking n—–” as he lay dying on the pavement, according to testimony Thursday from the state law enforcement agent overseeing the case, Vice News reports.
FBI special agent Richard Dial, the lead investigator in Arbery’s case, said during a probable cause hearing Thursday that William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., who participated in the three-man chase that led to Arbery’s February death, overheard Travis call the 25-year-old black man the slur. The comment came as the men were awaiting police, according to Dial.
Arbery was jogging around the suburban Georgia neighborhood of Satilla Shores on Feb. 23 when Greg McMichael, Travis’ father, determined he was a burglary suspect. He and Travis had apparently seen recent surveillance video of Arbery entering a home that was under construction nearby, although the owner of that home said nothing was ever stolen.
Greg McMichael, 64, told police that he didn’t know whether Arbery had stolen anything but had a “gut feeling” that he was a suspect, according to Dial. Upon seeing Arbery “hauling ass” down their road one February afternoon, Greg called out to Travis, 34, to help follow Arbery.
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Both Bryan and the McMichaels tried to block Arbery with their vehicles several times, Dial said. Travis eventually jumped out of the vehicle and a struggle with Arbery ensued. He shot Arbery three times with his shotgun in broad daylight — twice in the chest, once in the wrist.
🚨BREAKING🚨 Defendant Travis McMichael declared “Fucking Nigger” as he stood over the body of #AhmaudArbery according to testimony of defendant William Bryan and video recording.
— S. Lee Merritt, Esq. (@MeritLaw) June 4, 2020
After months of pleading from Arbery’s family, the McMichaels were eventually arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault. Bryan, 50, was later arrested on May 21 and charged with felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.
