West Ashley Mourns

Two West Ashley residents died last week, garnering statewide and national attention, shocking friends, co-workers, and family.
First was Walter Scott, 50, who was shot in the back multiple times by North Charleston police officer Michael Slager after a seemingly routine traffic stop on Rivers Avenue Saturday, April 4.
The second was Charleston police officer Robert Hildebidle, 33, who took his own life during a standoff with law enforcement at his Autumn Chase apartment after a domestic dispute call on Thursday, April 9.
After a cellphone video of Scott’s shooting was released, his death became part of the national narrative. The officer claimed Scott attempted to take his Taser, and shot in self-defense. The NCPD initially released a statement stating procedures and policies were followed. A lawyer representing Slager initially claimed that his client would be exonerated, but soon quit. Slager has since hired high-profile local defense attorney Andy Savage.
The video showed a different series of events, with the officer firing eight times at the back of the fleeing Scott, who had already run away from the traffic stop.
Slager appears not to be in immediate danger, and already had a host of information on Scott.
Once the video surfaced, which had been turned over to Scott’s family, the officer was immediately fired, arrested, and charged with murder.
Scott’s brother told national media that his brother, a veteran of the Coast Guard, was likely fleeing from a potential arrest, one of many in the past, for unpaid child support.
Local, state, and national leaders have called for the expanded use of body cameras on law enforcement.
Scott was buried Saturday.
Hildebidle, a decorated officer, ended his own life, according to authorities who surrounded his Sugar Magnolia Way apartment during a tense standoff on Thursday, April 9.
Hildebidle leaves behind a wife and two children, who were not present during the standoff, which choked roads for miles and resulted in a lockdown for the multi-unit complex.