MN - Justine Damond, 40, fatally shot by Minneapolis LE, 15 July 2017 #2

[lonetraveler]

According to records filed in court, the scene was searched at 6:30 a.m. on July 16 - roughly seven hours after the incident.

Among the items submitted for analysis were:

Cartridge cases found on ground near the passenger side of the squad car
A cell phone found on the ground near Damond
A bloodstain found on the rear driver side door of the squad car
A 'latent print lift(s)' described as a gel lift from dust on the rear cargo door window of the squad car
A 'latent print lift(s)' described as coming from exterior surfaces of the squad car
http://kstp.com/news/search-warrants-justine-damond-shooting-court-records/4552085/?cat=1

BBM So looks like Noor fired multiple shots.

I find it a bit strange that the locations where fingerprints were lifted are from the rear driver's side door are pointed out as well as fingerprints on rear cargo door but description of other prints are just listed as on exterior of vehicle. Hopefully some of the exterior prints were lifted from the area of the front area near the window of driver's side. I can see where she may have grabbed for the vehicle while falling following being shot, leaving the blood. She would have had to have been at the driver's window when shot or he would have had to had shot through the back driver's side window. He shot her directly through the driver's window IMO because if he had aimed any further to the left, he would have hit the officer in the driver's seat.
As far as lifting prints from the cargo door or any other areas of the vehicle, it could literally anyone's prints.
IMO, it is very possible that she did not touch the vehicle while talking to the driver.
I really don't like that LE is appearing to be working for defense. Independent investigators should be working on every aspect of this case. JMO

 

[turaj]

I find it a bit strange that the locations where fingerprints were lifted are from the rear driver's side door are pointed out as well as fingerprints on rear cargo door but description of other prints are just listed as on exterior of vehicle. Hopefully some of the exterior prints were lifted from the area of the front area near the window of driver's side. I can see where she may have grabbed for the vehicle while falling following being shot, leaving the blood. She would have had to have been at the driver's window when shot or he would have had to had shot through the back driver's side window. He shot her directly through the driver's window IMO because if he had aimed any further to the left, he would have hit the officer in the driver's seat.
As far as lifting prints from the cargo door or any other areas of the vehicle, it could literally anyone's prints.
IMO, it is very possible that she did not touch the vehicle while talking to the driver.
I really don't like that LE is appearing to be working for defense. Independent investigators should be working on every aspect of this case. JMO

i don't know...I think it is very reasonable to lift the prints from the car in the back which is no doubt where Harrity has indicated the noise came from...and I am sure with science they can verify that they are Justine's from that night...I corroborates the story but in no may implies any pro defense bias...just doing their job.

 

[Karinna]

The law professor wasn't "making an analysis without seeing the warrants". Why are you disagreeing with him?

"When I read that search warrant, I really cannot find probable cause to search her home," he continued.

http://kstp.com/news/bca-search-warrant-justine-damond-australia/4552551/

I agree with what the law professor says about that, and i think in that regard he is most probably correct.
But i think be that as it may, it was probably in a way a protection for the victim in this case to have an airtight case in an unjustifiable shooting for when it goes to court. There was nothing of consequence found in the Damond home, so no reason to think Justine was in any way acting unreasonably in any way. JMO

 

[oceanblueeyes]

i don't know...I think it is very reasonable to lift the prints from the car in the back which is no doubt where Harrity has indicated the noise came from...and I am sure with science they can verify that they are Justine's from that night...I corroborates the story but in no may implies any pro defense bias...just doing their job.

I really have nothing else to post, but I did want to say how much I have enjoyed all of your posts in this thread, turja. I have found them so enlightening, and I respect how logical, and fair you have been when looking at this tragic heartbreaking case.

Thank you.

 

[Karinna]

I don't think this is an accidental shooting as in an accidental discharge of his firearm that resulted in him accidentally striking the victim. He intended to shoot and that is what he did. Now of course as many of us know all too well the defense will spin WHY it happened, and Noor will say when she slammed her hand down on the back of their vehicle, and when she appeared at the window suddenly he believed they were being ambushed at the time. Imo, he will still be charged with negligent homicide or even voluntary manslaughter since his actions alone caused her death.

I am glad to see that some are not lumping all police officers into the small minority of police officers who are guilty of unjustifiable shootings. We have over 1.2 million officers in our nation in federal, state, and local police agencies. Very few out of that 1.2 million commits an unjustifiable shooting. Most of them never even have cause to pull their firearm during their long careers much less fire it and kill someone. So I think it behooves everyone to be mindful of that because when things like this happens so can sweeping generalizations about all police officers in general as if most all are bad when the facts just does not support it. It is the opposite actually and most are honorable men and women from communities all across our country who really wants to protect and serve and do so with honor year after year. Imo, it is the sweeping generalizations against all police officers that has made many innocent officers targets to be murdered just because of the uniform they wear.

Another thing I see that is very misleading is someone will invariably put up the link showing police officers are not in a dangerous profession by showing only those who have been murdered in the line of duty. If someone can show me a link where any other profession on our own soil is attacked and assaulted over 50K per year per the FBI then I will concur that other professions are as dangerous as what our police officers have to go through. Sure loggers and over the road truck drivers are killed more often each year, but those are due to accidental deaths, and not by being ambushed or purposefully killed during a confrontation. Nor are they assaulted and attacked with them left on life support or who have received life long injuries during the line of duty from those assaults. The murders, the assaults, the attacks against them are not accidents but done purposefully with intent to harm. The assaults/attacks on our police officers are conveniently overlooked, and only those who are killed are only considered when it goes much deeper than that concerning how dangerous their jobs really are. I read that 9 out of every 100 officers will be in some kind of physical altercation with a criminal during an arrest.

It infuriates me to no end when a few bad cops make all the other good cops look bad but they are tainted even though they are honorable good decent men and women.

Then I see many who say if a police officer who has fear of the unknown then he/she shouldn't become a police officer as if police officers have to become some kind super human beings, and not possess the same emotions or instincts all other human beings possess.

I have seen both high ranking law enforcement officials and high ranking military officers say many times 'any person without fear will be a dead one, and can cause others to die', Of course those in LE should have the fear instinct, and do for after all they are just like all of us. They aren't unemotional robots. I have no doubt whatsoever at times their hearts were in their throat wondering if this would be their last day on earth. Being able to have fear and being on heightened awareness very often saves their lives just like other human beings have felt when they had fear of something and it prevented them from being hurt.

And of course some believe when anyone becomes a police officer they give up all of their constitutional rights. Why others think this is puzzling. Everyone in America who is legally here all has the same constitutional rights. Even though I wish that Noor would come forward, and be more cooperative with the investigation I do know, right or wrong, he has a right to remain silent.

This is a case that shouldn't have ever happened. My heart breaks for Justine and her loved ones and may justice be served.

I agree that LE have their place in society to do all kinds of jobs. I admire the LEO's that work the more horrific criminal cases that most of us could not do. I can't imagine some of the horrors they are faced with.
But like with everything else in the world there is good and bad and LE are no exception.
As a nurse in my previous career, the health care workers are often in dangerous situations too, and we don't have guns to protect ourselves with, so there is that.
(quote)
Epidemic of Violence against Health Care Workers Plagues Hospitals
https://www.scientificamerican.com/...gainst-health-care-workers-plagues-hospitals/

 

[Karinna]

I really have nothing else to post, but I did want to say how much I have enjoyed all of your posts in this thread, turja. I have found them so enlightening, and I respect how logical, and fair you have been when looking at this tragic heartbreaking case.

Thank you.

Have always enjoyed your posts too Oceanblueeyes. So thankyou too.

 

[turaj]

Have always enjoyed your posts too Oceanblueeyes. So thankyou too.

ON that topic I so appreciate coming here and having people that are interested in this case or potential case to banter around ideas and thoughts with. Honestly the local media right now are pretty quiet and some of you really come up with some great links. I don't expect much until a decision is made on charging. So thanks to everyone for keeping this very serious story going.

 

[Tawny]

Then I see many who say if a police officer who has fear of the unknown then he/she shouldn't become a police officer as if police officers have to become some kind super human beings, and not possess the same emotions or instincts all other human beings possess.

I have seen both high ranking law enforcement officials and high ranking military officers say many times 'any person without fear will be a dead one, and can cause others to die', Of course those in LE should have the fear instinct, and do for after all they are just like all of us.

It's really hard to read a wall of text but I made it through.

The only part I care to address is this. This is why they are trained to react properly to threats both real and perceived. Superhuman, no, but better than the average rando citizen absofreakinglutely. It is NOT ok to panic and fire off rounds because you feel jumpy especially if you are literally trained not to do so. What baffles me is that people believe LE have every right to open fire because they feel the hair stand up on the back of their neck. Are they threatened? Yep. Part of the job. Does that mean they are allowed to react violently to any person who approaches them in a dark alley or around a corner or in a vehicle? Nope. Assess the situation. That's what training is for.

Oh, uh, all JMO of course.

 

[LietKynes]

Marking my spot.
Wonder if Noor will return to active duty ?

 

[Jennifer17]

The Australian public is outraged at this whole incident. First that the woman was shot while doing nothing wrong and now learning that they searched her home with a warrant is adding insult to injury.

What were they expecting to find? If she was on drugs or drunk, they would have got that from tox reports taken from her body.

They were looking for anything to smear her reputation with and make this scandalous killing look justified.

 

[lonetraveler]

i don't know...I think it is very reasonable to lift the prints from the car in the back which is no doubt where Harrity has indicated the noise came from...and I am sure with science they can verify that they are Justine's from that night...I corroborates the story but in no may implies any pro defense bias...just doing their job.

I have absolutely no problem with lifting prints from the vehicle, I was pointing out that these particular areas were spelled out while the area where she was first reported to be standing was not spelled out. I'm aware that an additional item covered prints lifted from exterior of the car. I would think that the driver's window area would have been first on the list since the original reporting was that she was talking to officer in driver's seat and than he stated that he was stunned at the shooting inside the car (not quoting him word for word). In this case the the exact location where she was shot is vital to the investigation. If she was talking to the officer through an opened window and Noor had to control the shoot in order to avoid hitting the other officer then it definitely was not an accidental shooting, IMO.

I've always been a big supporter of LE but that support is not "unconditional". There have been several fatal shootings IMO that had absolutely no basis for justification. This officer should be held accountable for his piss poor decision just as you or I would be.

 

[bluesneakers]

The Australian public is outraged at this whole incident. First that the woman was shot while doing nothing wrong and now learning that they searched her home with a warrant is adding insult to injury.

What were they expecting to find? If she was on drugs or drunk, they would have got that from tox reports taken from her body.

They were looking for anything to smear her reputation with and make this scandalous killing look justified.

What do you think they will they do when Noor walks away?

 

[Jennifer17]

What do you think they will they do when Noor walks away?

I have no idea. They are bombarding the PMs office with demands that he make an official complaint. The police would not give any info to Australian consular officials in the first few days.

 

[x_files]

The city doesn't want to pay a multi-million dollar settlement so yeah they have motives to search her house. I hope the officers are honest and won't try to cover for a fellow officer.

 

[Cobra Jet]

well he and his attorney sure have enough time to work up a story...don't they?

I understand the cop that did the shooting and his lawyer trying to come up with something, anything that could help him get off. What I will never understand is why anyone in charge in this town or police department would do anything underhanded to try to defend this guy. If he did nothing wrong they do not need to cover for him. Again, I stress underhanded. If they want to stand by him until the evidence comes out I guess I get that but personally I don’t understand getting a search warrant to search her house before searching the shooters house. That tells me who they are standing with.
Why didn’t they get a search warrant for the shooters house if they aren’t covering for him?

 

[bluedivergirl]

Marking my spot.
Wonder if Noor will return to active duty ?

I don't think so. IMO, he's radioactive now.

Refusing to answer questions is ground for dismissal.

I also ran this past a friend of mine, a retired big city cop. Not Mpls, another big city. In his opinion, if the facts are as we know them now, Noor is going to prison. He stated Noor was in his patrol car, he had the ability to leave the scene. He was not in imminent danger.

I certainly hope he is right.

 

[Cobra Jet]

The city doesn't want to pay a multi-million dollar settlement so yeah they have motives to search her house. I hope the officers are honest and won't try to cover for a fellow officer.

If they really don’t want to pay huge settlements why don’t they take the necessary steps to try to reduce this type of tragedy from occurring so often. I said it before, if the mayor and the chief of police had to pay part of the settlement I suspect that steps would be taken. If they screwed up don’t compound things by the appearance that you are NOT pursuing the truth above all else

 

[CoolJ]

I don't think so. IMO, he's radioactive now.

Refusing to answer questions is ground for dismissal.

I also ran this past a friend of mine, a retired big city cop. Not Mpls, another big city. In his opinion, if the facts are as we know them now, Noor is going to prison. He stated Noor was in his patrol car, he had the ability to leave the scene. He was not in imminent danger.

I certainly hope he is right.

Darren Wilson was in his squad car and got out of it to murder Mike Brown when he could have easily stayed in it and protected himself from the unarmed boy. Darren Wilson wasn't even indicted.


Hands up, Don't shoot!

 

[turaj]

I understand the cop that did the shooting and his lawyer trying to come up with something, anything that could help him get off. What I will never understand is why anyone in charge in this town or police department would do anything underhanded to try to defend this guy. If he did nothing wrong they do not need to cover for him. Again, I stress underhanded. If they want to stand by him until the evidence comes out I guess I get that but personally I don’t understand getting a search warrant to search her house before searching the shooters house. That tells me who they are standing with.
Why didn’t they get a search warrant for the shooters house if they aren’t covering for him?

honestly I don't see anything so far from what is know to indicate one way or another what will happen here...it seems premature to call fowl before we even know if he will be charged and a sincere effort to hold him accountable will happen. In fact to be honest considering the tensions in Minneapolis they are walking a tightrope...if they do bring charges then for some it will be because he is Somali or Black and they will be on the streets.

 

[Jennifer17]

honestly I don't see anything so far from what is know to indicate one way or another what will happen here...it seems premature to call fowl before we even know if he will be charged and a sincere effort to hold him accountable will happen. In fact to be honest considering the tensions in Minneapolis they are walking a tightrope...if they do bring charges then for some it will be because he is Somali or Black and they will be on the streets.

I have to disagree. I am calling foul on them for searching her home. What reason could there be?