Justine Damond Ruszczyk’s killer resentenced after murder charge overturned

Australian woman Justine Ruszczyk Damond’s killer, Mohamed Noor, has just been resentenced after his conviction was overturned on September 15, 2021.

Ruszczyk Damond called emergency services on July 15, 2017, to report what she suspected was a sexual assault, happening in an ally behind her home.

Then-police officer Mohamed Noor, and his partner responded to the call. As the police car approached the address, Ruszczyk Damond ran over to the vehicle to meet them, and direct them to the crime.

Noor fired his gun across his partner at Ruszczyk Damond, hitting and killing her. Noor was sentenced to 12.5 years prison time for the conviction of third-degree murder in June, 2019.

Technicalities in the wording of the third-degree murder statute allowed Noor to successfully overturn his conviction in September, 2021.

On October 22, 2021, Noor was resentenced for the crime. Noor’s defence was seeking the shortest possible term, however, Judge Kathryn Quaintance resentenced Noor to the maximum penalty, between 41 and 57 months. This translates to between three and a half, and five years.

While sentencing, Judge Quaintance said: “Mr Noor, I am not surprised that you have been a model prisoner.”

“However, I do not know any authority that would make that grounds for reducing your sentence.” Noor has already served 29 months.

SBS reports that “In Minnesota, inmates who behave well typically serve two-thirds of their prison sentences and the remainder on supervised release.”

Ruszczyk Damond’s parents hoped for the longest sentence possible for Noor, saying that a “poorly written law” would not have changed the jury’s belief that Noor committed murder.

“Our sorrow is forever, our lives will always endure an emptiness,” Ruszczyk Damond’s parents said.

“The truth is Justine should be alive. No amount of justification, embellishment, cover-up, dishonesty or politics will ever change that truth,” fiance Don Damond said.

The internet has reacted strongly to Noor’s resentencing, saying:

Humanity is rolling down a mountain backwards!!

— Kane Rubenstein (@alpha1_kane) October 22, 2021

That’s it. 57 months. A woman’s life is worth 1,734 days because she called the police to report a crime.

— Michelle Ziemba (@michelleziemba) October 21, 2021

Mohamed Noor’s sentence for 3rd degree murder was overturned because 3rd degree requires a “generalized indifference toward human life.”

What the hell do you call firing a gun at an unidentified figure in the shadows? How much more general indifference do you need?

— Post-Globo???? (@PostGlobo) October 21, 2021

VIOLENCE DISCLAIMER: If you are concerned about violence in your community, contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732, Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.