Cop charged with murdering bride-to-be will argue self-defense

The Minnesota cop charged with murdering an Australian bride-to-be — after she called 911 to report a possible assault — plans to plead not guilty at his trial next month.

Ex-officer Mohamed Noor, 32, is expected to argue self-defense and reasonable force in his defenses, according to Minnesota Public Radio News.

His lawyer, Thomas Plunkett, disclosed the claims in a court filing on Wednesday. Noor’s first trial hearing is scheduled for May 8 in Hennepin County.

The former cop is currently out on bail after being charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. He’s facing up to 35 years in prison for the death of Justine Damond, who was fatally shot by Noor last summer.

The 40-year-old yoga instructor had called 911 to report a possible sexual assault in an alley behind her home on July 5. Noor and his partner, Matthew Harrity, responded to the call and were later confronted by Damond in her driveway.

Authorities claim the bride-to-be ran up to the driver’s side window and startled the cops, prompting Noor to open fire after he heard a “loud sound.’

“We both got spooked,” Harrity told his sergeant after the incident, according to court documents.

Prosecutors have said that there is “no evidence that Officer Noor encountered a threat…that justified his decision to use deadly force.”

With Post Wires

Source: Read Full Article