Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says it’s not his fault that a decision hasn’t been made yet on charges in the fatal shooting of Justine Damond. Freeman told a member of the group Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar at a public employee union meeting Wednesday night that investigators have not done their job. Video of the exchange can be seen here. Earlier this year, Freeman said his goal was to have a charging decision on the case by the end of the year. Damond was shot and killed by Officer Mohamed Noor in July after she had called 9-1-1 to report a possible assault in her south Minneapolis neighborhood. In a statement, Freeman’s office says “We are working diligently on the case to complete the investigation as soon as possible. Beyond that, we cannot comment at this time.” Noor’s attorney sent out this statement:
The loss of Justine Ruszczyk Damond is a tragedy. Officer Noor personally extends his continued condolences to her friends and family for their loss.
I am very concerned about what Mr. Freeman had to say about Officer Mohamed Noor. No lawyer wants their client placed under a Christmas tree as a present to a vocal segment of the community. That said this case is about an officer that followed procedure and training. This lead to the death of a very fine person which is a horrible tragedy, but not a crime. Investigators gather evidence, they don’t create it. That is their job. I am concerned by any supplemental investigation – especially if it is directly overseen and influenced by the County Attorney.