CHARLOTTE—Emotions ran high all throughout Charlotte on Friday night after the voluntary manslaughter trial of officer Randall Kerrick ended in a mistrial.
Jurors said they were deadlocked 8-4 in favor of a not guilty verdict.
Saturday morning was calm and quiet, but Friday afternoon and into the evening saw intense moments as the crowd got larger. At one point, protesters blocked the transportation center in uptown as they called for justice. By the end of the night, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers had arrested just two people. Two officers were hurt by rock-throwing crowds, but be OK.
Now, church leaders who called for peaceful protests want a new trial.
“People want justice. We want this trial re-tried. We want another jury to come. We want this man convicted,” said Rev. Raymond Johnson.
Regardless of what happens moving forward, city leaders say they want unity.
“We as a community must respect all of those different views of the world and those different voices. They matter. They all matter if we are to figure out a way forward from this tragedy,” said Charlotte Mayor Dan Clodfelter.
Due to the protests, the Charlotte-Area Transit System shut down the transportation center. It is expected to resume normal service on Saturday.
CMPD chief Kerr Putney sent out an E-mail to his department:
"As police officers, we must abide by the law and be responsible for our actions. I believe that we as an organization did what was right for our agency and our community. The decision for any future criminal proceedings in this case rests with the North Carolina Attorney General’s office."
Protesters have said they will return Saturday. The Ferrell family's attorney said there's no clear answer yet on a second trial.
Statement from Defense Attorneys: