CHARLOTTE, NC —Β Can accused CMPD officer Wes Kerrick get a fair trial in Charlotte? Β Kerrick’s attorneys say the city made that almost impossible when it signed off on a civil settlement. Β With just weeks to go before the criminal trial begins, the officer’s attorneys filed a motion late Thursday, asking a judge to reconsider moving the trial out of Charlotte.
Kerrick is charged with voluntary manslaughter in the 2013 shooting death of Jonathan Ferrell. Β Kerrick’s attorneys say City Council negotiated the $2.25 million civil settlement using tax dollars in closed meetings without reviewing evidence in the case. Β They call the settlement a blatant attempt to prejudice the Defendant’s right to a fair trial. Β They contend it may be hard to find an impartial jury because 80 percent of potential jurors are monetarily affected by the settlement paid to Ferrell’s family. Β Another motion filed Thursday asks for a gag order to keep anyone involved in the case from talking about it. Β
Charlotte will be a center of attention this summer because of the Kerrick trial. Β Because of that, city leaders have decided to bring in some public relations help. Β City Manager Ron Carlee says Charlotte expects lots of visitors in town, and extensive media coverage related to the trial. Β That’s why the city is hiring communications expert Mark Weaver as an adviser.
“The eyes of the nation, and the world, will be onΒ Charlotte this summer for a variety of reasons,” said Weaver. Β “It’s another reason why prudent city leaders wantΒ to make sure they’re doing their communications as professionally asΒ possible, with so many people in Charlotte and watching Charlotte.”
City Manager Ron Carlee sent WCCB Charlotte a statement saying: “We do extensive planning for a range of contingencies. Β This is especially true when we have many guests coming into our city from other places.” Β He goes on to say, “We have consistently found that having the advice of someone who is not intimately involved with events has been helpful in providing perspective.”
Officer Kerrick’s criminal trial is set to begin on July 20. Β You can count on the WCCB Charlotte trial team for continuing coverage. Β Look for updates on air online.
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