Police accused over murder of civilians

Published on Saturday 30 December 2006 15:38

SEVEN police officers involved in a fatal gun battle in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina face charges over the shootings.

The officers were yesterday charged with murder or attempted murder over the deaths of two men and the wounding of four other people on the city's Danziger Bridge on 4 September, 2005. One victim was a mentally disabled man, Ronald Madison, who was shot seven times - five times in the back, the coroner said.

Police lawyers maintain their clients are innocent.

The indictments further scar the reputation of the city's police department after more than 200 officers on the 1,500-strong force were disciplined following the hurricane. Offences included failure to show up for work, and looting.

According to police, the officers went to the bridge believing they were answering a call that two fellow officers had been injured. When they arrived, they saw seven people running, and four people began firing at police. The officers returned fire, killing Mr Madison, 40, and James Brissette, 19.

An officer fired at Mr Madison only after he turned towards them and reached into his waistband, they say.

Mr Madison's brother, Lance, said he was crossing the bridge with his brother when a group of teenagers ran up and began shooting. As the brothers fled, Lance Madison said, seven men jumped out of a rental truck and also began firing at them. He denied his brother was armed.

Sergeants Kenneth Bowen and Robert Gisevius and officers Robert Faulcon and Anthony Villavaso were charged with first-degree murder.

Officers Robert Barrios, Mike Hunter and Ignatius Hills were charged with attempted murder.