Cop Mohamed Noor Freed Early After Justine Damond Murder Conviction Overturned
Mohamed Noor, the former police officer convicted of killing yoga teacher Justine Ruszczyk Damond in 2017, has had his murder conviction thrown out by the Minnesota Supreme Court. The court ruled last month that the third-degree murder charge didn’t fit, as the law only applies to cases showing a “generalised indifference to human life,” not when the victim is targeted — as Damond was.
Murder Charge Tossed, Manslaughter Sentence Stands
While Noor’s 12½-year murder sentence was scrapped, Judge Kathryn Quaintance, who oversaw Noor’s trial, handed down the maximum 57-month sentence on his manslaughter conviction. This crushed the defence’s bid for a lighter 41 months. Thanks to good behaviour, Noor could be out on supervised release as soon as next summer.
Noor’s Version: Fired in Self-Defence
At trial, Noor claimed he and his partner heard a loud bang on their police SUV while driving in an alley. Fearing for their lives, Noor said he saw a woman raise her right arm outside the driver’s window and shot from the passenger seat to stop the perceived threat.
Justine’s Family Demand Justice: “Our Sorrow is Forever”
Justine Damond’s parents, John Ruszczyk and Maryan Heffernan, pushed for the maximum sentence. Through prosecutors, they slammed the overturned law as “poorly written” and insisted the jury’s verdict stands: Noor committed murder. They told the court, “Our sorrow is forever, our lives will always endure an emptiness.”
