12:38 UPDATE – The judge says Marion will remain out on $100,000 bond. She then exited the courtroom.
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The woman charged in connection with the deadly shooting of Pastor Ricky Floyd returned to court Wednesday morning.
Samantha Marion faced a preliminary hearing on a charge of voluntary manslaughter in the fatal March 12 shooting. Marion posted bond back in April.
Cellphone video from Marion herself was released to WREG and is already playing a big role, her attorneys say, in a case that has garnered national attention.
They say the video is evidence that she was in fear for her life when she shot and killed Floyd outside Momma’s Bar and Kitchen.
“If she did not have that video, she would wear the scarlet letter, basically, no matter how the case turns out. But in this particular instance, God’s grace was on her,” said Defense Attorney John Keith Perry.
A lot is being weighed ahead of Wednesday’s hearing as the judge will now determine if there is enough trial evidence.
A police officer who responded to Momma’s bar the night of the shooting testified that he believed there were some inconsistencies in her story.
Marion’s defense attorney John Keith Perry also had the chance to question the witness, who said he did not have detective experience.
In court, listening to every disturbing details from that fateful night, were friends and family of Pastor Floyd, who were seated roughly 20 feet from the accused.
Marion not only had to face a judge, but the victim’s loved ones including longtime friend and state lawmaker Antonio Parkinson.
“It’s sad and unfortunate we are here because of all of the emotions that happens in these situations – it alters lives unfortunately,” Parkinson said.
The judge found probable cause for voluntary manslaughter. The case will move forward to a grand jury.