Former trooper, Buchanan mayor trial: Jury breaks for night

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. - 10 P.M. UPDATE: The jury in the trial of Buchanan Mayor Anthony "A.J." Scott, a former Georgia State Patrol trooper accused of causing a 2015 crash that killed two teenagers, sent a note to the judge saying they had reached a point where they were no longer having productive conversations, and asked to break for the evening. The judge allowed the recess and scheduled the case to resume at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Jurors were given their phones back for the night, but were instructed not to research the case, watch or read news media or look at social media. 

4:30 P.M. UPDATE: The jury in the trial of Buchanan Mayor Anthony "A.J." Scott, a former Georgia State Patrol trooper accused of causing a 2015 crash that killed two teenagers, sent a note to the judge asking two questions: 

1. The jury said they plan to deliberate for an extended period of time. They asked the judge what time she would let them go home for the night.
2. The jury asked to see two pieces of evidence: the dash camera footage from Scott's GSP vehicle and body-worn camera footage from a responding officer – Officer Lambert.

The judge told the jury that she would allow them to deliberate for as long as needed and would make a decision later on when to adjourn for the day.

The judge played both videos for the jury before sending them back to deliberate.

NOON UPDATE: Closing arguments took place Tuesday morning in the trial of Buchanan Mayor Anthony "A.J." Scott, a former Georgia State Patrol trooper accused of causing a 2015 crash that killed two teenagers.

Scott is charged with vehicular homicide and other offenses in connection with the deaths of Kylie Lindsay and Isabella Chinchilla. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years and 48 months in prison.

During closing statements Tuesday, prosecutors focused on Scott’s driving and argued he was traveling at an excessive speed the night of the crash. The defense pointed blame toward the teen driver who survived the wreck, telling jurors that Scott should not be held to a different standard than anyone else on the road.

The emotional proceedings led members of Lindsay’s family to leave the courtroom during part of the defense’s argument.

Once closing arguments are complete, jurors will receive instructions before beginning deliberations later Tuesday afternoon.

ORIGINAL STORY

Buchanan Mayor Anthony James "A.J." Scott, a former Georgia State Patrol trooper, took the stand Monday morning to testify about the 2015 crash that killed two teenagers and injured two others. His testimony marked the final witness in the case, and closing arguments are now scheduled for Tuesday morning before jurors begin deliberations.

What they're saying:

Scott detailed his career, including service in the Marine Corps from 2007 to 2011 before joining the state patrol. He told jurors he routinely handled multiple crashes each day across Carroll and Douglas counties. On the night of Sept. 26, 2015, he admitted his portable radio was dead, so he relied on his in-car system, and acknowledged he was behind on paperwork.

The mayor confirmed that he was not on a call at the time of the collision, nor did he have his lights or sirens activated. 

"The majority of the crashes we worked, we did not respond with lights and sirens," he said. 

Scott described swerving moments before the crash but was unable to avoid impact. Afterward, he said he turned on his blue lights to alert others and notified dispatch.

Under cross-examination, Scott admitted he was driving nearly 90 mph in a 55 mph zone, despite signs lowering the speed limit to 45 mph in the area. He conceded that he was not responding to an emergency and was simply returning to the bridge when the crash happened.

The wreck killed 16-year-old Isabella Chinchilla and 17-year-old Kylie Lindsey, while the other two passengers, Dillon Wall and Benjamin Finken, suffered serious injuries. Scott faces charges of second-degree vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving and speeding.

PREVIOUS STORIES

• Former trooper, Buchanan Mayor A.J. Scott testifies in fatal crash trial
• Former state trooper, Buchanan mayor retrial: Threatening remarks in the gallery
• Former state trooper, Buchanan mayor trial: Testimony continues
• Georgia Supreme Court denies appeal of former state trooper on vehicular homicide charges
• Ex-trooper accused in fatal crash now faces new investigation as Buchanan mayor
• Mayor 'acted like a fool' during drunken episodes while criminal case still unresolved
• Judge declares mistrial in trial of ex-Georgia state trooper
• 'Why are we having to fight this so hard?' Crash victims worry ex-trooper will never face justice

What's next:

The defense rested following Scott’s testimony. The trial will resume Tuesday morning, when prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to deliver closing arguments. Afterward, the judge will instruct jurors on the law before they begin deliberations.