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JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — The family of a man shot to death by police in North Carolina last month has finally laid him to rest at a church cemetery in South Carolina.
Family and friends filled the First Baptist Church of James Island on Friday to give their final respects to Keith Lamont Scott. His funeral was supposed to take place on Oct. 6, but was delayed when Hurricane Matthew threatened the South Carolina coast.
Scott was sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of is Charlotte, North Carolina, apartment complex when he was shot by police trying to find a different man on Sept. 20. Police video showed officers shouting for Scott to drop a gun numerous times. Scott's family said he did not have a gun and was reading a book.
Scott's funeral was both political and personal with remembrances of the father of seven who loved to listen to reggae music, watch his sons play sports and married the love of his life 20 years ago, according to his funeral program.
"Sometimes events cause the nation to look in the mirror, and sometimes you don't like what you see. We'll, if you don't like what you see, fix it," the Rev. Bryan Moten said, according to The Charlotte Observer.
A lawyer for the Scott family said he hoped this would mark a turning point for the family, even as the criminal investigation into the officers involved in the shooting continues. No charges have been filed.
"I think it means closure, hopefully, at least for the first part of this very raw, open wound," attorney Charles Monnett told reporters outside the church.
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