Former SC Officer Slager Sentenced to 20 years for Fatal OIS

Slager's father, mother, sister, and wife spoke to the judge, begging for a lighter sentence. They talked about how Slager led a life of service and how upset they were after the shooting. Michael Slager's wife, Jamie Slager, told the judge, "He had to make a decision in a split second. I couldn't imagine having to make a decision that fast."

The judge's decision comes after Michael Slager pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights offense.

Former South Carolina police officer Michael Slager was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison for the deadly shooting of Walter Scott, reports ABC News .

U.S. District Judge David Norton ruled that Slager committed second-degree murder and obstruction of justice when he shot and killed 50-year-old Scott in 2015. The second-degree murder ruling came with a recommended 19- to 24-year sentence.