Justine Damond shooting death to be recreated by accused officer Mohamed Noor

The police officer accused of murdering Australian woman Justine Damond in the US is planning to re-create the shooting when the moon enters the “same phase”.

The police officer accused of murdering Australian life coach Justine Damond in a Minneapolis alley is planning to re-create the fatal shooting when the moon enters the “same phase” this week.

Mohamed Noor, 33, who is no longer a police officer, has asked a District Court judge for access to a Minneapolis Police Department squad car for Friday night’s re-creation.

Noor’s legal team has determined the moon will be in the same phase as on July 15 last year when, just before midnight, Noor allegedly shot across his partner in their police car and struck Ms Damond in the stomach.

Ms Damond, 40, was from Sydney and had been living in Minneapolis with her American fiancee when she was killed on the evening July 15 last year.

MORE: Damond’s family sues for $50 million

MORE: US prosecutors claim Noor intended to kill Damond

Justine Damond was allegedly shot and killed by Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor. Picture: Nathan Edwards

She had called police after hearing a woman’s screams in the alley and when Noor’s squad car arrived she approached his partner’s open window. She was dressed in her pyjamas.

Ms Damond died at the scene 20 minutes later; neither officer was wearing their police body cameras.

Noor will go to trial in Minneapolis on April 1.

“The defence wishes to be allowed access to a squad car for independent examination,” Noor’s lawyer, Thomas Plunkett, wrote in a court filing requesting access to a police vehicle.

“The moon is set to be in the same phase on 12-28-2018, as it was on 7-15-2017, so access to a squad on 12-28-2018, would be most helpful.” The defence lawyer noted the squad car Noor was in on the night of the shooting had not been preserved.

Their request is for another car “to independently gather information, make measurements and allow testing and analysis”.

Former Minneapolis police officer, Mohamed Noor arrives at Hennepin County Government Center for an omnibus hearing in May. Picture: Angus Mordant for NewsCorp Australia

Noor is charged with second degree intentional murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter.

Prosecutors claim evidence shows Noor intended to kill Damond when he aimed and fired at her.

If convicted the charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Noor’s lawyers have argued he acted reasonably because he feared he was in danger.

His mental health came into question in September when the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported that prosecutors produced reports by two psychiatrists who examined Noor during the pre-hiring process for the Minneapolis Police Department.

The court records said his ability to deal with people, handle stress and display patience were questioned.

Ms Damond died just weeks before she planned to marry her fiance, Don Damond, whose name she was already using professionally.

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

It was reported her fiance had to pick up her wedding dress after her death.

Ms Damond’s father, John Ruszczyk, has filed a $50 million civil rights lawsuit against Noor, the city and others. That case has been put on hold while the criminal case proceeds.

Then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull described the killing as “shocking” and inexplicable”.

”How can a woman out in the street in her pyjamas seeking assistance from the police be shot like that?,” he said.

“We are demanding answers on behalf of her family. It’s truly a tragic killing there in Minneapolis. Something clearly went tragically wrong.”

Originally published as Justine Damond shooting death to be recreated by accused officer Mohamed Noor