SAVANNAH, Ga. — The man who initiated the deadly chase that led to the killing of Ahmaud Arbery says he won't plead guilty to a federal hate crime charge.
An attorney for Greg McMichael announced the decision in a legal filing late Thursday in U.S. District Court, saying McMichael has elected to stand trial for a second time in Arbery’s 2020 killing.
McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, had planned to enter guilty pleas in court on Monday when a judge rejected the terms of a plea deal that was met with stiff objections by Arbery’s parents.
The McMichaels and a neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, were convicted of Arbery's murder in November. They still face federal charges.
Travis McMichael was to decide by Friday whether to move forward with a guilty plea.
Court records show jury selection in Gregory McMichael’s federal trial will begin Monday. If his son changes his plea, he will also go to trial.