Opinion: If the ex-South Carolina cop got a mistrial, can any officer be found guilty of murder?

To the editor: The mistrial in the case of a white former North Charleston, S.C., police officer who shot an unarmed black man (Walter Scott) in the back as he fled after a minor traffic stop evokes one of the most pervasive myths in society: that there are two sides to every argument. (“Judge declares mistrial in case of former South Carolina police officer who killed Walter Scott,” Dec. 5)

There are two sides, at least, when arguments arise over the best tasting ice cream or the greatest quarterback. There are two sides on whether the assertion “black lives matter” can be reasonably rebutted with “all lives matter.” And yes, there are even two reasonable sides as to whether Michael Brown’s shooting by a white officer near St. Louis was justified.

Scott was unarmed, posed no threat to anyone, was running away and not toward his killer and was shot multiple times in the back. The carnage is captured on video. Cut and dry. Cold and immutable.

No subjectivity or nullifying illogic will add an additional side to what is observable and objective.

Ron Terranova, Huntington Beach

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