Mehserle Trial: Oakland Awaits Verdict

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OAKLAND (GaeaTimes.com)- Oakland is highly anticipating the verdict of the Johannes Mehserle-Oscar Grant murder trial. The trial’s debate has reached such intensity that the Oakland police and other authorities in the area are taking precautionary measures before the result is announced. The case of Johannes Mehserle was earlier shifted to Los Angeles as the judge in Oakland realized the pressure from the public might deny Johannes Mehserle a fair trial.

Johannes Mehserle was accused for the murder of Oscar Grant. The incident took place on the New Year’s Day in 2009. Oscar Grant was arrested for a fight in a train. While trying to restrain him, Johannes Mehserle took out his gun and shot him while he was face down and unarmed. Several bystanders captured the incident on video and as it spread like wild fire, Oakland erupted in a riot on January 7 that saw the destruction of cars and shops. Around 100 people were arrested due to the riots and it also assumed a racially sensitive color. Several protests, both violent and non-violent, were seen in the area for the Oscar Grant murder in the days to come.

Johannes Mehserle can be convicted for second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter. He could face several years in jail if convicted for the crime. However he will be acquitted if the jury find him not guilty of the crime. Some theories indicate that Johannes Mehserle might have mistaken his gun for his Taser. Considering the speculations and the emotions involved, the Oakland police force have increased their duty-hours to 12 hours starting July 1. The verdict can be out as early as Friday.