The Minneapolis police officer who shot dead Australian woman Justine Damond has been revealed as a relative newcomer to the force who has served for just over two years.
The name of Officer Mohamed Noor has been made public, as more information emerges regarding the death of 40-year-old Damond, including the circumstances under which the shots were fired.
CBS Minnesota reports Officer Noor and his partner were called to attend a possible assault in an alleyway behind Damond’s home.
Sources tell WCCO-TV Damond spoke to the officers. At some point afterwards, Officer Noor reportedly reached over from the passenger seat and fired at Damond, killing her.
An investigation of the scene found no weapons, but a mobile phone was reportedly discovered near Damond’s body.
The investigation is being handled by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is separate from the Minnesota Police Department.
Authorities have faced questions as to why the officers’ bodycams were inactive at the time of the incident. The squad car camera was also off at the time.
Bodycams for officers were implemented after the hugely controversial shooting death of Philando Castile.
Investigators said they’d release more information on the incident after they had a chance to interview Officer Noor and his partner, both of whom have been placed on administrative leave.
Minnesota Police Chief Janeé Harteau issued a statement on the incident, saying the Department had just as many questions as members of the public.
Statement from @ChiefHarteau Regarding Officer Involved Shooting pic.twitter.com/9FHNAckoHh
— Minneapolis Police (@MinneapolisPD) 17 July 2017
Damond, who was reportedly engaged to be married next month, was a yoga instructor and meditation teacher.
Earlier, the man set to become her stepson posted a Facebook Live video in which he questioned the circumstances around Damond’s death, and said “fuck the police.
“Some of you are good, but like, I’m just done. I’m so done. This has to stop.”
We’ll keep you updated on this one.
