Damond killer on murder charge
THE rookie cop who killed former Australian life coach Justine Ruszczyk Damond will face court today charged with her murder and manslaughter.
The charges, carrying a maximum 25 years in prison, come eight months after the 40-year-old was shot dead in her pyjamas when she called 911 to report a suspected sexual assault in the alley behind her home.
Officer Mohamed Noor, pictured, yesterday handed himself into Hennepin County Jail ahead of today’s court appearance. He was held on $500,000 bail.
Authorities yesterday released a “second by second” breakdown of what they alleged happened on July 15 last year – including the last words spoken by Ms Damond before she died.
Moments after Noor fired at Ms Damond through the driver-side door of his patrol car, she clutched her side and said either, “I’m dead” or “I’m dying”, according to his partner, Officer Matthew Harrity.
Ms Damond’s family in Australia and fiance in Minneapolis yesterday released a statement welcoming the charges.
“We remain hopeful that a strong case will be presented by the prosecutor, backed by verified and detailed forensic evidence, and that this will lead to a conviction,” they said.
“No charges can bring our Justine back. However, justice demands accountability for those responsible for recklessly killing the fellow citizens they are sworn to protect, and today’s actions reflect that.”
Noor – who was also fired from the Minneapolis police force yesterday – has not explained his actions
“In the short time between when Ms Damond approached the squad car and the time that officer Noor fired the fatal shot, there is no evidence that officer Noor encountered a threat, appreciated a threat, investigated a threat or confirmed a threat that justified his decision to use deadly force,” County lawyer Mike Freeman said.
“Instead, Officer Noor intentionally and recklessly fired his handgun from the passenger seat in disregard for human life.”
If convicted of third-degree murder, Noor could face a maximum of 25 years in prison, although the presumptive or normal sentence, which is usually applied without aggravating factors, is 12½ years.