All three men convicted of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder have been sentenced to life in prison.
Travis McMichael was sentenced to life plus 20 years and Greg McMichael to life plus 20 years, with the additional punishment stemming from assault and false imprisonment charges.
William “Roddie” Bryan was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Bryan must serve at least 30 years in prison before he is eligible for release from prison.
Arbery was killed on Feb. 23, 2020, when the McMichaels’ a white father and son, armed themselves before chasing Arbery down in a pickup truck. Bryan was also involved.
“I’ve read somewhere, and I don’t remember where it was, that at a minimum, Ahmaud Arbery’s death should force us to consider expanding our definition of what a neighbor may be and how we treat them. I argue that maybe a neighbor is more than the people who just own property around your house. I believe that assuming the worst in others we show our worst character,” Judge Timothy Walmsley said ahead of sentencing.
When delivering her impact statement, Wanda Cooper Jones, Arbery’s mother spoke directly to her son.
“This verdict doesn’t bring you back, but it does help bring closure to this very difficult chapter of my life,” she said. “I made a promise to you the day I laid you to rest: I told you I love you and someday, somehow, I would get you justice.”
Arbery’s older sister’s statement was equally as moving. Jasmine Arbery recalled her brother’s “dark skin that glistened in the sunlight like gold”.
“These are the qualities that made these men assume Ahmaud was a dangerous criminal and chase him with guns drawn. To me those qualities reflected a young man with life and energy who looked like me and the people I love.”
