Justine Damond murder: US policeman Mohamed Noor charged
Mohamed Noor has refused to answer questions over the death of the Australian lifecoach, who was shot outside her home.
Wednesday 21 March 2018 13:13, UK
A police officer has been charged with murder and manslaughter after the fatal shooting of an unarmed Australian woman outside her home.
Justine Damond, 40, was shot dead by Minneapolis officer Mohamed Noor after she called to report a possible sexual assault behind her house in Minnesota on 15 July.
The 40-year-old life coach, originally from Sydney, who was dressed in pyjamas, was shot once in the abdomen by Noor after approaching the driver's door of the police vehicle.
Noor's partner, Matthew Harrity, who was at the wheel at the time of the shooting, told officials they had been startled by a loud noise just before Ms Damond arrived at the car.
At the time of the shooting, neither of the attending officers' body cameras were activated.
Noor is charged with third-degree murder "for perpetrating an eminently dangerous act" and with second-degree manslaughter for "culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk".
The murder charge is for a death caused without intent.
Noor, who turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest, has so far refused to answer questions from investigators or speak publically about the case.
Announcing the charges, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman alleged Mr Noor had "recklessly and intentionally fired his handgun".
A lawyer for Noor said he was simply following his training.
The 32-year-old Somali-American, who had worked as a police officer for less than two years, had previously worked in property management.
He had been on paid leave since the shooting, but was fired from the police force on Tuesday.
Miss Damond's father, John Ruszcyzk, and her fiance, Don Damond, welcomed the charges, saying it was "one step toward justice for this iniquitous act".
Following Miss Damond's death, Minneapolis has said it will review its policy on body cameras.