Ahmaud Arbery's sister says she's 'relieved' following arrest of his alleged killers

Stephen Proctor
Updated ·2 min read

Jasmine Arbery, the older sister of Ahmaud Arbery, the unarmed Georgia man who was shot and killed while jogging on February 23, joined Chris Cuomo on Cuomo Prime Time Thursday night to speak about the long-awaited arrest of the men allegedly responsible for her brother’s death.

“We feel a sense of relief,” Jasmine said. “It’s been a long time, feels like it’s been a long time. So this day was a turning point in recovering my brother’s case and getting justice for him. So we’re relieved and happy.”

According to Arbery family attorney, Lee Merritt, Arbery’s family was told by local authorities that Ahmaud was shot and killed by a homeowner during an attempted burglary. It was only after a video surfaced of the incident and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation got involved that arrests were made. Father and son Gregory and Travis McMichael were arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault. The confrontation occurred after the McMichaels pursued Arbery believing he resembled a man suspected of several recent break-ins, according to authorities. The two men, who purportedly pursued Arbery with a shotgun and a .357 Magnum, claimed self defense. Jasmine believes race was the motivation behind the incident.

“I believe it was a hate crime,” Jasmine said. When Cuomo asked how so, she replied, “There was one black guy and three white guys.” A third man, William “Roddie” Bryan, a neighbor of the McMichaels family, was the person who shot the cellphone video and, per the district attorney, is listed as a “witness.” He was not charged with the McMichaels.

Now, the Arbery family just wants justice for Ahmaud.

“We want justice. We’re seeking justice,” Jasmine said. “This whole situation was senseless. It could have been avoided.”

Cuomo Prime Time airs weeknights at 9 p.m. on CNN.

Watch Chris Cuomo hammer Trump for contradicting a nurse on the shortage PPE:

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.