Defense says some statements inadmissible in Jerry Chambers hearing

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - The man charged in the Fourth of July City Market violence made another appearance in court Friday - nearly one year later.

Jerry Chambers was in the white SUV that police chased after a shooting in the area. That SUV hit and killed well-known restaurant manager Scott Waldrup as it crashed, also killing two passengers in the SUV.

Friday was a Jackson Denno motion hearing - the motion filed by Chambers' attorney arguing that statements Chambers gave to police in the moments following the fatal crash are inadmissible because they were not voluntarily given.

The lead prosecutor for the state played about 10 minutes of police body camera video for Judge James Bass to consider. In the encounter, officers could be heard asking Chambers his name, age, and other basic information. Police also asked Chambers where he was in the SUV. Chambers could be heard saying he was in the passenger seat and that the vehicle belonged to Gabriel, but Gabriel wasn't driving.

Gabriel Magulias and Spencer Stuckey were in the vehicle with Chambers and were killed in the crash. The defense argued that his client should have been read his rights before police started asking questions. When Judge Bass asked why Chambers' statements after the crash weren't voluntary, Chambers' attorney said his client was injured and still in shock from the high-speed crash.

Judge Bass said he'll still need more time to consider the motion and if the body cam video will be shown to jurors. According to Chatham Court's website, Chambers' trial is set for this November.

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