No Death Penalty For Police In Danziger Bridge Shooting

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – Prosecutors didn't say in court filings why they decided to drop the death penalty option in the case. A mentally disabled man and a 17-year-old boy were killed. Four others were hurt in the shooting on the Danziger Bridge days after Hurricane Katrina left the city in chaos. Police said at the time they were responding to reports of shots fired at officers. Five former officers have already pleaded guilty to fabricating witnesses and planting evidence to justify the shooting. The four current or former officers accused of the most serious crimes are facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.