Former Minneapolis cop gets nearly 5 years in killing of 911 caller

A former Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot an unarmed woman after she called 911 to report a possible rape behind her home has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison.

Mohamed Noor had sought a 41-month sentence, which is the minimum under state sentencing guidelines for the manslaughter charge. Instead, the judge chose the maximum 57 months allowed under sentencing guidelines.

That’s still far shorter than the 12 1/2 years Noor received for a third-degree murder conviction that the state Supreme Court overturned. Noor was convicted of both charges in the 2017 death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, but the high court later ruled that the third-degree murder statute didn’t fit the facts of the case.

In a virtual appearance at the sentencing hearing, Ruszczyk Damond’s fiance, Don Damond, said he has no doubt she would have forgiven Noor.

"Justine was and is still my greatest teacher. Given her example, I want you to know that I forgive you, Mohamed. All I ask is that you use this experience to do good for other people," Damond said.

"Your honor, I just want to say that I’m deeply grateful for Mr. Damond’s forgiveness. I’m deeply sorry for the pain that have caused that family, and I will take his advice and be a unifier," Noor said.

Noor, who was fired after he was charged, has already served more than 29 months. With good behavior, he could be freed by next summer.