Former Minneapolis police officer found guilty in Justine Ruszczyk's death

[bitterross]

4. I didn't say a thing about whether or not he was actually guilty

I think you misunderstand. White police officers are often acquitted for what most of us, and the whole community, believe are unjustified killings.

I think Mr. Noor would have had a far better chance of acquittal if he were "Mr. Nelson." I'm not speaking to his actual guilt or innocence. I'm speculating about how race might be a factor in a jury decision.

This is just about standard in the testimony of an LEO in this situation: "Noor testified that he feared for his partner's life as Ruszczyk approached their squad car in the dark, empty alley." 99.999% of the time that statement alone prevents the DA from filing charges or allows the jury a way to acquit. I just think that juries are more likely to acquit white police officers than dark-skinned ones with Muslim-sounding names. A white man, by default, will have the trust of juries and be given the benefit of the doubt.

This is the part that is NOT standard: But Hennepin County prosecutors said Noor overreacted and failed to properly assess the situation before firing a gunshot into Ruszczyk's abdomen.

Look at past cases. It's rare for the DA to even bring a case, much less vigorously prosecute one.