The trial of three white men accused of hunting down and murdering Ahmaud Arbery after seeing him running from a house under construction in their South Georgia community began on Wednesday with the defense presenting a motion of acquittal on the malice murder charge. The charge, which Travis McMichael; his father, Gregory McMichael; and their neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan—who recorded moments leading up to Arbery’s death—were indicted on requires proof of intent to kill. As part of an effort seeking a directed verdict and acquittal, the defense argued outside of the jury’s presence that no expressed malice has been proven in the shooting of Arbery. The argument follows the prosecution resting its case on Tuesday’s eighth day of testimony, making way for the defense to begin presenting its case. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to malice murder and felony murder charges as well as counts of aggravated assault, attempt to commit a felony, and false imprisonment. Updates will be added as the trial continues. Jump below the fold for more information on the trial to date. Read more