ADVERTISEMENT

Probe plea from family of Australian shot by police

Justine Damond, 40, was shot in July as she approached a police car in her pajamas after placing an emergency call reporting a possible rape near her home in Minnesota.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said last week investigators looking into her death "haven't done their job" and he lacked sufficient evidence to prosecute officer Mohamed Noor, who shot and killed her.

Damond's family said they felt the need to speak out publicly after Freeman's comments, and called on American prosecutors to keep pursuing the case.

"We are deeply concerned that the initial investigation was not done properly and with the greatest of integrity and sense of completeness," Damond's father John Ruszczyk told reporters in Sydney.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Ignorance cannot prevail here. We implore Mr Freeman and the prosecutor's office to continue to rigorously review an examination of the evidence that led to Justine's death."

He added that the family would "wait patiently" for the review to be completed but pleaded for it to be "done right".

Freeman made the unguarded comments at a holiday party last Wednesday evening when approached by a group that videotaped the interaction and posted it on Facebook.

"I've got to have the evidence, and I don't have it yet," Freeman said.

He said Noor has been uncooperative, refusing to speak with investigators, and that his partner Matthew Harrity did not provide useful evidence.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Let me just say it's not my fault. So if it isn't my fault, who didn't do their job? Investigators. They don't work for me. They haven't done their job."

Widespread protests and criticism of the shooting led to the resignation of Minneapolis police chief Janee Harteau.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT