Legendary musician Walter Scott, who was the founder of the American vocal group The Whispers from Los Angeles, California, one of the greatest R&amp;B acts of all time has passed away at the age of 81 after a brief illness. One of the members of the Whispers promotional team confirmed the news of his passing away. Soon after the news of his death was revealed, fans mourned and poured in condolences for him. However, his cause of death has not been revealed yet.<h2>Tributes pour in for Walter Scott</h2>Member of the Whispers promotional team, Desirae L. Benson, shared a statement to Soul Tracks, “We all are incredibly heartbroken. It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Walter Scott, a beloved member of the legendary R&amp;B group The Whispers. His voice, presence, and contributions helped shape a musical legacy that touched millions.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/music-composer-lalo-schifrin-best-known-for-mission-impossible-theme-dies-at-93-1750988765806">Music composer Lalo Schifrin, best known for Mission Impossible theme, dies at 93</a>&nbsp;"Walter’s impact on the industry and in the hearts of fans will never be forgotten. Memorial details will be shared at a later date. Sending love and light to his family, friends, and all of the millions of fans around the world. We lost a legend!", the statement concluded.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/jeff-bezos-lauren-sanchez-wedding-amazon-billionaire-pulls-all-stops-with-gatsby-themed-party-in-venice-custom-made-donuts-in-gift-baskets-1750937187678">Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez wedding: Amazon billionaire pulls all stops with Gatsby themed party in Venice, custom-made donuts in gift baskets</a>&nbsp;Soon after the fans took to their social media to mourn the demise of the veteran musician. One user wrote, "Rest in Peace Walter Scott, singer, and co-founder of one of the greatest bands ever, The Whispers". Another user wrote, "Rest in Peace to Walter Scott, singer and founding member of the legendary R&amp;B group The Whispers. Your voice helped define an era and your legacy will continue to live on through timeless music. You will be missed". "Rest in peace Walter Scott", wrote the third user.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/jensen-ackles-open-to-playing-batman-in-dcu-says-it-would-be-a-challenge-to-make-it-stand-out-1750922580201">Jensen Ackles open to playing Batman in DCU, says it would be a challenge to make it stand out</a><h2>All about The Whispers</h2>The Whispers was formed in 1963 in Watts, California and the original members included identical twin brothers Wallace "Scotty" and Walter Scott, along with Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell. Their singles- And the Beat Goes On and Rock Steady topped the charts and was well received by the audience. They even earned two platinum and five gold albums by the RIAA.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/dune-and-blade-runner-2049-filmmaker-denis-villeneuve-to-direct-next-james-bond-film-1750910920944">Dune and Blade Runner 2049 filmmaker Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film</a>&nbsp;The Whispers later established their own production company, Satin Tie Productions, through which they released their independent 2006 album For Your Ears Only. In 2014, the Whispers were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.

Walter Scott, The Whispers one of the greatest R&B groups of all time has passed away after a brief illness at the age of 81. 

Legendary musician Walter Scott, who was the founder of the American vocal group The Whispers from Los Angeles, California, one of the greatest R&B acts of all time has passed away at the age of 81 after a brief illness. One of the members of the Whispers promotional team confirmed the news of his passing away. Soon after the news of his death was revealed, fans mourned and poured in condolences for him. However, his cause of death has not been revealed yet. Tributes pour in for Walter Scott Member of the Whispers promotional team, Desirae L. Benson, shared a statement to Soul Tracks, “We all are incredibly heartbroken. It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Walter Scott, a beloved member of the legendary R&B group The Whispers. His voice, presence, and contributions helped shape a musical legacy that touched millions.” Also Read: Music composer Lalo Schifrin, best known for Mission Impossible theme, dies at 93 "Walter’s impact on the industry and in the hearts of fans will never be forgotten. Memorial details will be shared at a later date. Sending love and light to his family, friends, and all of the millions of fans around the world. We lost a legend!", the statement concluded. Also Read: Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez wedding: Amazon billionaire pulls all stops with Gatsby themed party in Venice, custom-made donuts in gift baskets Soon after the fans took to their social media to mourn the demise of the veteran musician. One user wrote, "Rest in Peace Walter Scott, singer, and co-founder of one of the greatest bands ever, The Whispers". Another user wrote, "Rest in Peace to Walter Scott, singer and founding member of the legendary R&B group The Whispers. Your voice helped define an era and your legacy will continue to live on through timeless music. You will be missed". "Rest in peace Walter Scott", wrote the third user. Also Read:Jensen Ackles open to playing Batman in DCU, says it would be a challenge to make it stand out All about The Whispers The Whispers was formed in 1963 in Watts, California and the original members included identical twin brothers Wallace "Scotty" and Walter Scott, along with Gordy Harmon, Marcus Hutson, and Nicholas Caldwell. Their singles- And the Beat Goes On and Rock Steady topped the charts and was well received by the audience. They even earned two platinum and five gold albums by the RIAA. Also Read: Dune and Blade Runner 2049 filmmaker Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film The Whispers later established their own production company, Satin Tie Productions, through which they released their independent 2006 album For Your Ears Only. In 2014, the Whispers were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.

Walter Scott, The Whispers one of the greatest R&amp;B groups of all time has passed away after a brief illness at the age of 81.&nbsp;

R&B group The Whispers founder Walter Scott, dies at 81

A South Carolina judge declared a mistrial on Monday after jurors weighing a murder charge against a white former South Carolina police officer who shot and killed a black motorist said they were deadlocked.

A bystander&#39;s cell phone recorded North Charleston patrolman Michael Slager, 35, firing eight times at 50-year-old Walter Scott&#39;s back as he fled an April 2015 traffic stop.

The video helped to make Slager a national symbol for a wave of police killings of black men in cities including New York, Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri. The hung jury was likely to fuel fresh debate about racial bias in law enforcement and the US&nbsp;justice system.

&quot;Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to come to a unanimous verdict,&quot; jurors said in a note on Monday, their fourth day of deliberations after four weeks of testimony in a Charleston courtroom.

Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson, who left the courtroom with tears in her eyes, later said in a statement her office would retry Slager.

&quot;Justice will be had,&quot; Scott family lawyer Justin Bamberg told reporters. &quot;I don&#39;t think there&#39;s a soul in the world who thinks that what Michael Slager did is okay.&quot;

Slager and his lawyers left the courthouse without commenting.

Only about one-third of at least 78 police officers across the United States charged with murder or manslaughter from an on-duty shooting since 2005 have been convicted, according to data collected by Philip Stinson, an associate professor of criminal justice at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. About half of those convicted pleaded guilty.

Slager, who testified during his state trial, told the jury of 11 white people and one black man how he felt &quot;total fear&quot; before shooting Scott, hitting him with five bullets.

Slager had pulled Scott over for a broken brake light. He said the motorist ran and refused orders to stop, then grabbed the patrolman&#39;s stun gun during a scuffle.

Prosecutors said Scott, who was unarmed, fled because he was behind on child support payments and feared arrest. They accused Slager of altering the crime scene by moving the Taser closer to the handcuffed body so he could claim Scott had taken it.

Jurors first indicated they were deadlocked on Friday. At the time, they said one member was holding out against a conviction, though they did not indicate whether the rest of the panel was settled on finding Slager guilty of murder or a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter.

After resuming deliberations on Monday, they sent another note that said the majority of jurors were undecided and then requested explanation of legal terms critical to the case, such as malice and self-defense.

Judge Clifton Newman provided further guidance, but it did not result in the panel reaching a consensus. All 12 jurors would have to come to a unanimous decision on a charge for the jury to deliver a verdict.

(Reuters)

A video from a bystander showed Michael Slager firing eight times at Scott's back as he fled a traffic stop in April 2015

A South Carolina judge declared a mistrial on Monday after jurors weighing a murder charge against a white former South Carolina police officer who shot and killed a black motorist said they were deadlocked. A bystander's cell phone recorded North Charleston patrolman Michael Slager, 35, firing eight times at 50-year-old Walter Scott's back as he fled an April 2015 traffic stop. The video helped to make Slager a national symbol for a wave of police killings of black men in cities including New York, Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri. The hung jury was likely to fuel fresh debate about racial bias in law enforcement and the US justice system. "Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to come to a unanimous verdict," jurors said in a note on Monday, their fourth day of deliberations after four weeks of testimony in a Charleston courtroom. Prosecutor Scarlett Wilson, who left the courtroom with tears in her eyes, later said in a statement her office would retry Slager. "Justice will be had," Scott family lawyer Justin Bamberg told reporters. "I don't think there's a soul in the world who thinks that what Michael Slager did is okay." Slager and his lawyers left the courthouse without commenting. Only about one-third of at least 78 police officers across the United States charged with murder or manslaughter from an on-duty shooting since 2005 have been convicted, according to data collected by Philip Stinson, an associate professor of criminal justice at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. About half of those convicted pleaded guilty. Slager, who testified during his state trial, told the jury of 11 white people and one black man how he felt "total fear" before shooting Scott, hitting him with five bullets. Slager had pulled Scott over for a broken brake light. He said the motorist ran and refused orders to stop, then grabbed the patrolman's stun gun during a scuffle. Prosecutors said Scott, who was unarmed, fled because he was behind on child support payments and feared arrest. They accused Slager of altering the crime scene by moving the Taser closer to the handcuffed body so he could claim Scott had taken it. Jurors first indicated they were deadlocked on Friday. At the time, they said one member was holding out against a conviction, though they did not indicate whether the rest of the panel was settled on finding Slager guilty of murder or a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. After resuming deliberations on Monday, they sent another note that said the majority of jurors were undecided and then requested explanation of legal terms critical to the case, such as malice and self-defense. Judge Clifton Newman provided further guidance, but it did not result in the panel reaching a consensus. All 12 jurors would have to come to a unanimous decision on a charge for the jury to deliver a verdict. (Reuters)

Judge declares mistrial against white police officer in Walter Scott's murder trial

Defense attorneys urged a South Carolina jury on Wednesday (November 30) to look beyond a shocking video of a white police officer shooting a fleeing black motorist to death last year and consider all the evidence presented at the former policeman&#39;s murder trial.

Lawyers were making their closing arguments to jurors who will decide whether Michael Slager, 35, committed a crime when he killed 50-year-old Walter Scott in North Charleston.

Slager testified on Tuesday that he was afraid when he shot Scott, who state prosecutors said fled a traffic stop because he was behind on child-support payments and feared he might be arrested.

Attorney Andy Savage told the jury of 11 white people and one black person to consider not just the video, captured by a bystander and viewed by millions of Americans, but all the evidence presented since testimony began earlier this month.

Warning: Video contains graphic violence and language.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XKQqgVlk0NQ" width="560"></iframe>

&quot;Setting the false narrative aside, let&#39;s look at the truth,&quot; he told jurors in a Charleston courtroom.

Earlier on Wednesday, the jury visited the empty lot in North Charleston where the shooting occurred, taking in a final bit of evidence in a case that intensified national debate about racial bias in law enforcement. The April 4, 2015, incident began when Slager stopped Scott&#39;s car for a broken brake light, and Scott fled. Slager chased the man, first firing a Taser stun gun at him and then drawing his firearm after a tussle.

Savage said Slager shot him &quot;in fear of his life&quot;, noting that the officer did not know at the time that Scott was unarmed.

He said the video transformed Slager into a national symbol for a wave of controversial police killings of black men in cities including New York, Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri. Slager was fired, arrested and charged with murder.

Solicitor Scarlett Wilson told jurors that they had to find Slager acted with malice to convict him of murder.

&quot;It can be meanness. It can be ill will. It can be just a plain and reckless indifference to human life - like eight shots in the back,&quot; she said.

Prosecutors contend Slager did not appear to be in danger when he hit Scott with five of those shots. The jury could also weigh a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter for Slager, who faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted of murder.&nbsp;

(Agencies)

11 white and 1 black jurors were told to take all evidence into account, not just the video of the killing seen by millions of Americans

Defense attorneys urged a South Carolina jury on Wednesday (November 30) to look beyond a shocking video of a white police officer shooting a fleeing black motorist to death last year and consider all the evidence presented at the former policeman's murder trial. Lawyers were making their closing arguments to jurors who will decide whether Michael Slager, 35, committed a crime when he killed 50-year-old Walter Scott in North Charleston. Slager testified on Tuesday that he was afraid when he shot Scott, who state prosecutors said fled a traffic stop because he was behind on child-support payments and feared he might be arrested. Attorney Andy Savage told the jury of 11 white people and one black person to consider not just the video, captured by a bystander and viewed by millions of Americans, but all the evidence presented since testimony began earlier this month. Warning: Video contains graphic violence and language. "Setting the false narrative aside, let's look at the truth," he told jurors in a Charleston courtroom. Earlier on Wednesday, the jury visited the empty lot in North Charleston where the shooting occurred, taking in a final bit of evidence in a case that intensified national debate about racial bias in law enforcement. The April 4, 2015, incident began when Slager stopped Scott's car for a broken brake light, and Scott fled. Slager chased the man, first firing a Taser stun gun at him and then drawing his firearm after a tussle. Savage said Slager shot him "in fear of his life", noting that the officer did not know at the time that Scott was unarmed. He said the video transformed Slager into a national symbol for a wave of controversial police killings of black men in cities including New York, Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri. Slager was fired, arrested and charged with murder. Solicitor Scarlett Wilson told jurors that they had to find Slager acted with malice to convict him of murder. "It can be meanness. It can be ill will. It can be just a plain and reckless indifference to human life - like eight shots in the back," she said. Prosecutors contend Slager did not appear to be in danger when he hit Scott with five of those shots. The jury could also weigh a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter for Slager, who faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted of murder. (Agencies)

Closing arguments presented in trial for ex-cop who killed unarmed black man, Walter Scott

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R&B group The Whispers founder Walter Scott, dies at 81

Judge declares mistrial against white police officer in Walter Scott's murder trial

Closing arguments presented in trial for ex-cop who killed unarmed black man, Walter Scott