Ahmaud Arbery murder trial: Defense attorney apologizes after his comments

The defendants are charged with malice and felony murder in connection with the killing. They also face charges of aggravated assault, false imprisonment and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. All have pleaded not guilty. If convicted, each man could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In English’s prerecorded deposition played Thursday in court, he said surveillance footage at his home under construction near Brunswick captured people several times in late 2019 and early 2020, and in some instances he called 911 about the intrusions. He was able to keep track of intruders via cameras that he had installed around the home.

Defense attorneys contend their clients were trying to conduct a lawful citizen’s arrest of Arbery, whom they suspected of burglary after they and several neighbors became concerned about people entering English’s property.

English denied, when asked by prosecutor Paul Camarillo, that he ever authorized the McMichaels to confront anybody on the construction site.

English appeared unable to recall many of the questions that were asked of him and only provided short answers to most. The state played video recorded from his home surveillance system and the associated calls he made to the police.

English also testified that he had only met Travis McMichael once, and had at least one conversation with Gregory McMichael before the shooting occurred and also talked with him afterward.

Camarillo asked English whether he had told the McMichaels about any incidents at his house.

“Probably. But I’m not sure,”…