“She rejected that supply as a result of we consider that at this time the state will transfer ahead with life sentences with out the opportunity of parole, and we predict that is the suitable sentence,” Merritt informed CNN, standing beside Wanda Cooper-Jones.
Cooper-Jones will make a sufferer’s impression assertion earlier than Friday’s sentencing. She mentioned she hopes Travis McMichael, who fired the shotgun blasts that killed her son, receives a life sentence with out parole.
The boys’s federal trial is scheduled to start February 7, one month after their sentencing.
The defendants have maintained their innocence on hate crime fees, together with interference with rights and tried kidnapping. The McMichaels have been additionally charged with utilizing, carrying and brandishing a firearm throughout and in relation to against the law of violence; and Travis McMichael was charged with discharging a firearm.
Federal prosecutors say the defendants “used drive and threats of drive to intimidate and intrude with Arbery’s proper to make use of a public road due to his race.”
“We’re deeply dissatisfied that the Justice Division purchased the false narrative that the media and state prosecutors have promulgated,” Travis McMichael’s protection crew mentioned.
As a result of the boys have remained at Glynn County Detention Heart since their arrest, there’s been no federal bond listening to. If convicted on the weapons fees or interference with rights counts, they face extra penalties of as much as life in jail with attainable six-figure fines.
CNN’s Brianna Keilar contributed to this report.
