Fund to back Justine’s goals
JUSTINE Damond-Ruszczyk’s fiance has set up a memorial fund to support causes close to the slain Aussie’s heart as it was revealed a mystery cyclist filmed part of her fatal encounter with US police.
An online fund-raising page was set up yesterday by Don Damond, the Minneapolis businessman she was to marry.
“Justine’s death was tragic and devastating to her family and friends as well as an entire community in the US as well in her homeland,” Mr Damond wrote on the Generosity.com page.
Ms Damond-Ruszczyk was shot dead on July 15 after calling 911 to help a woman she believed was being assaulted in a lane behind her home.
Officer Mohamed Noor killed her with a single shot from the front passenger seat of a squad car after hearing a loud noise as she approached. His lawyer is apparently trying to build a defence that Officer Noor and Officer Matthew Harrity believed they were being “ambushed”, a claim her family has dismissed.
“[Life coach] Justine lived her purpose of helping teach people about their full potential. She touched many souls as she reflected goodness, laughter and love in the world,” Mr Damond said.
“This fund is to help support a memorial fund for Justine and charitable causes supporting social justice that were important in her heart.”
News of the cyclist has offered a potential breakthrough in the investigation.
There have been several marches and protests in Minne- apolis over the past week, as the city reeled from its third controversial fatal police shooting in less than two years.
The fallout has claimed police chief Janee Harteau, who resigned after Mayor Betsy Hodges told her she had lost faith in her leadership.
“And from the many conversations I’ve had with people around our city, it is clear that she has lost the confidence of the people of Minneapolis as well,” Mayor Hodges said.
Protesters took over her press conference, with many calling for the mayor to resign.
A family spokesman said plans for Ms DamondRuszczyk’s memorial were being carefully considered.