The police officer charged with murdering Australian woman Justine Ruszczyk Damond outside of her Minneapolis home will likely plead not guilty and claim self-defence, court documents show.
US police office Mohamed Noor is charged with fatally shooting Ms Damond just before midnight on July 15.
Ms Damond, a 40-year-old life coach, had called 911 to report a possible sexual assault after hearing a woman screaming. When she approached the police car sent to investigate Ms Damond was shot and died at the scene from a gunshot to the abdomen, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Mr Noor, who handed himself in to police, has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
As The Minneapolis Tribune reports, Mr Noor’s attorney filed court documents that indicate he intends to argue his client acted in self-defence and used reasonable force.
Matthew Harrity, the police officer who was with Mr Noor on the night of the shooting, has previously told investigators that Ms Damond had startled them at the scene, which led Mr Noor to fear for his life.
Mr Noor is yet to speak publicly about the case; his next court appearance is May 8.
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