Photo: Glynn County Sheriff’s Office
A mostly white jury has been selected for the trial of a former district attorney accused of covering up details surrounding Ahmaud Arbery's murder, per Newsone.
Arbery's death unfolded on February 23, 2020 while he was jogging in a Brunswick, Georgia neighborhood. Greg McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, grabbed guns and chased after Arbery in a truck. The McMichaels' friend, William Bryan, joined the chase in his own truck, blocked Arbery's escape, and recorded as Travis McMichael shot the 25-year-old at close range.
In state court, the three men were convicted of murder in 2021. A federal jury convicted the group of hate crimes and attempted kidnapping in 2022.
Now, Jackie Johnson, a former district attorney in Glynn County, is facing trial for allegedly covering up details in the investigation of Arbery's death.
Johnson, who also previously served as the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney, had formerly employed Greg McMichael as an investigator in her office until his retirement in 2019. McMichael called Johnson shortly after Arbery's shooting, according to a recording of their call included in their case file.
“Jackie, this is Greg,” McMichael said. “Could you call me as soon as you possibly can? My son and I have been involved in a shooting and I need some advice right away.”
Johnson was indicted in 2021 on one felony count of violating her oath of office and one misdemeanor count of hindering a law enforcement officer after an investigation revealed her undisclosed relationship with McMichael. According to the indictment, Johnson showed "favor and affection" toward McMichael and intervened with police officers at the crime scene, “directing that Travis McMichael should not be placed under arrest.”
Prosecutors said Greg McMichael and Johnson exchanged 16 calls in the weeks following the shooting.
Now, a mostly white jury will decide Johnson's fate. Only one Black person was selected to serve on her Georgia trial.
Johnson's trial is expected to last for two weeks.
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