Former South Carolina Police Officer Convicted in 2015 Walter Scott Killing Eligible for Early Release

The law permits eligible nonviolent offenders to serve the final portion of their sentences in home confinement or a residential reentry center. Slager's case qualifies for review under these provisions even though the underlying offense involved the use of deadly force.

Scott's family has spoken out against the potential early release. They have expressed opposition to Slager serving less time than originally imposed by the court. The incident drew national attention after video footage showed Scott running from Slager following a stop for a broken taillight.

The officer fired multiple shots, striking Scott five times in the back. Slager initially reported that Scott had taken his stun gun before the shooting, but the video contradicted that account. Slager was acquitted by a state jury on murder charges in 2016.

He later reached the federal plea agreement that resulted in the 20-year sentence. The First Step Act, passed with support from both parties in Congress, has led to the early release or sentence reductions for thousands of federal inmates since its enactment.

Authorities have not yet confirmed a specific release date for Slager. The process involves review by the Bureau of Prisons to determine if he meets all criteria for transfer to a halfway house.