Former Officer Formally Arraigned on Murder & Manslaughter Charges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Bail has been cut from $500,000 to $400,000 for a fired Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the shooting of an unarmed Australian woman.

Mohamed Noor made his first court appearance Wednesday in the July death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, who had called 911 to report a possible sexual assault behind her home.

Defense attorney Tom Plunkett asked Hennepin County District Judge Kathryn Quaintance to free Noor on his own recognizance, saying he isn't a flight risk, has a young family and no connections to anyplace else.

But prosecutor Amy Sweasy said Noor no longer has a job that keeps him in Minnesota.

Noor didn't speak except to give his name and address and didn't enter a plea.

His next court date is May 8 at 8:30 a.m.