Wake County Sheriff's Deputy Cameron Broadwell is facing felony assault charges for his alleged involvement in the arrest of Kyron Hinton in April 2018.
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In a video, Broadwell is seen with his K-9, who goes after Hinton.
Broadwell and two troopers were charged with assault after this arrest of Hinton. More than a year later, jury selection began in Broadwell's trial.
RELATED: Kyron Hinton, Raleigh man beaten by officers during arrest, files lawsuit against Wake County Sheriff's Office, deputy
"What we're feeling is hopeful that this trial will be conducted in a way that is fair," said Dawn Blaygrove, Carolina Justice Police Center.
Blaygrove and other activists sat in the courtroom in Hinton's honor. Hinton was awarded an $83,000 settlement in February but died from what supporters said was a drug overdose the next day.
RELATED: Kyron Hinton, Raleigh man who was beaten by officers during arrest, received $83,000 settlement the day before he died
Before jury selection, they found out they're on the witness list and cannot be in the courtroom, which they say is concerning.
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"I think that also opens the door to how this trial will run. Transparency is not just a law enforcement issue but it's also a justice system issue," said Kimberly Muktarian, Save Our Sons of Raleigh.
The judge did make it clear that this would likely be a very emotional trial and asked that if someone felt emotional, that they leave the courtroom to avoid any outbursts.
Jury selection is expected to last for a couple of weeks.