Killer cop ‘feared an ambush’

KILLER cop Mohamed Noor’s boss yesterday laid the blame for the death of Sydney life coach Justine Damond squarely on his shoulders.

“We are talking about one individual’s action,” Minneapolis police chief Janee Harteau said.

“There will be a criminal investigation, but from what I have seen Justine did not have to die.”

Ms Damond, 40, was shot dead by Officer Noor in her pyjamas late on Saturday night after calling 911 to help a woman she heard screaming in her back lane, whom she believed was being sexually assaulted.

Minneapolis Police yesterday said they have been unable to find any evidence suggesting an attack was taking place.

Noor and his partner, Officer Matthew Harrity responded to Ms Damond’s emergency call and radioed their base to report they couldn’t see anyone in the lane when they arrived, eight minutes after her first 911 call.

Moments later, Noor fired on Ms Damond through the driver-side window after hearing a loud banging noise and seeing a man riding a bike nearby. His lawyer has suggested Noor, who was holding his gun as they patrolled, feared he was being “ambushed”.

This claim drew a sharp response from Ms Damond’s family, who said they were considering a civil claim to defend the reputation of the yoga teacher, vet and motivational speaker.