Shelby County deputy’s manslaughter case goes to the jury

The case of a Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy accused of wrongfully shooting and killing a suspect is now in the hands of the jury. Testimony in the trial of Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Butler resumed at 9:30 this morning, with the defense calling one last witness to the stand. Later in the morning, the prosecution and defense gave closing statements and the judge read the jury its instructions. Finally a little after one o’clock this afternoon, the jury retired to its chambers to begin deliberations. Butler is charged with voluntary manslaughter for shooting and killing Dwayne Jens of Hancock after Jens led officers on a chase December 30th. Butler testified that he shot Jens because he saw Jens moving and he – Butler – feared for his life. The prosecution argued Butler shot an unarmed man who was NOT making any threatening motions.