Jonathan Allen

(Reuters) – The three white men convicted for the murder of Ahmaud Abery, a Black male who ran through their Georgia coastal neighborhood in 2020 in search of work, will be sent to prison for life on Friday.

Georgia law states that Judge Timothy Walmsley will decide whether or not to grant parole to any one of three defendants after 30 years.

Gregory McMichael 66 and Travis McMichael 35 were found guilty by a jury in November. Their neighbor William Bryan 52 was also found guilty.

The lawyers for the men stated that they would appeal their convictions. The federal hate-crime case against Arbery, which alleges that he attacked him for his “race or color”, will also be brought up by the three defendants in February.

Frank Hogue (a McMichael attorney) stated, “Obviously we are going to argue life with the possibility for parole.” For a 65-year old man, it doesn’t really make much of an impact.”

Arbery (25-year-old avid jogger) was running in Satilla Shores’ predominantly white residential area on February 23rd when McMichaels decided that they would grab their guns, get into a pickup truck, and chase Arbery. McMichael’s younger brother would testify that they thought Arbery may be running from crime.

Bryan followed the truck in his pickup truck, passing his driveway. He pulled out his phone to capture Travis McMichael shooting a shotgun at Arbery from close range. Arbery was dressed only in his sneakers and running clothes.

After months of outrage, the video was finally released by the authorities. It became apparent that no one had been charged with the murders after the local prosecutor ruled the death justified.

The men are allowed to speak before the court Friday. Prosecutors from Cobb County’s district attorney’s offices will also be available to Arbery and his family to provide victim impact statements.