Mohamed Noor to plead not guilty in shooting death of Australian woman Justine Damond

HE refused to speak for months — now the cop charged with murdering Australian woman Justine Damond in the US will plead not guilty.

THE police officer charged with murdering Australian woman Justine Damond in the US will plead not guilty, arguing self defence.

Former Minneapolis cop Mohamed Noor’s lawyer has filed documents stating that he intends to claim self-defence and reasonable force.

Noor was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter last month following a months-long investigation into the death of the Sydney woman.

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Former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor has been charged with the murder of Sydney woman Justine Damond. Picture: Chris Juhn

Ms Damond, 40, was shot dead by Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor late on July 15 last year in an alley behind her home.

The former Sydneysider and life coach had called 911 after hearing a woman’s screams and approached Noor’s police vehicle unarmed and in her pyjamas.

According to a criminal complaint, Noor’s fellow officer, Matthew Harrity, said that Damond startled them at the scene which caused Noor to fear for his life.

Australian woman Justine Ruszczyk Damond died last year after being shot. Picture: Stephen Govel

Justine Damond and her partner Don Damond lived together for two years before her death. Picture: Supplied

Both officers drew their weapons inside the car, with Noor firing a shot from the passenger’s seat and striking Damond in the abdomen.

On the day charges were filed against him, Noor turned himself in to authorities. He was later released after posting $500,000 in bail.

Noor’s next court appearance is slated for May 8.

Originally published as Mohamed Noor to plead not guilty in shooting death of Australian woman Justine Damond