By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-912903.mp3
New Orleans, La. – Three officers appeared in court in shackles in New Orleans and pleaded not guilty. The fourth, no longer with the department, appeared in a Texas court where he is being detained, but hasn't yet entered a plea They're accused of killing two people and seriously injuring four others at the Danziger Bridge, where they allegedly thought other officers were in danger. One of those killed was a mentally disabled man shot in the back and stomped on by one of the officers. The other was a 17-year-old boy. The Justice Department is deciding if it will seek the death penalty. Two supervisors accused of covering up what happened are charged with conspiracy and due in court later this month. Five other officers pleaded guilty earlier this year to making false statements. A hearing is scheduled Friday to determine if the four facing the most serious charges should remain in custody.
For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.