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Justine Damond is 'most innocent victim' of a police shooting ever, family lawyer says

The American lawyer hired to represent the family of Justine Damond has described the Australian native as “the most innocent victim” of a police shooting he has ever seen.

Damond’s family are seeking justice after police gunfire killed the 40-year-old meditation teacher soon after she called authorities in the U.S. city of Minneapolis on Saturday to report a possible sexual assault.

“It’s quite clearly an improper use of deadly force on someone who it is impossible for me to conceive of as a threat to anyone,” attorney Robert Bennett told the local Star Tribune newspaper. “I mean she saves ducklings out of the sewer, for God’s sakes.”

MORE: Police officer explains why he killed bride-to-be Justine Damond

Bennett has worked on other high-profile cases involving police shootings, including with the family of Philando Castile — the black motorist who was shot and killed by a Minnesota officer last year while his girlfriend live-streamed the incident on Facebook from the back of their car.

A tribute to Philando Castile
A tribute to Philando Castile

“I’m not saying Philando wasn’t innocent too”, Bennett said. “But here is someone who called the police and was trying to stop someone from being hurt … and ends up being shot in her pajamas”.

Bennett helped the Castile family reach a nearly $3 million settlement with the local government after the officer involved in the shooting was acquitted. Castile’s mum Valerie was seen embracing Dan Damond, Justine’s fiancé, during a march for justice that saw hundreds turn out to honour Damond’s life in Minnesota on Thursday.

Don Damond is comforted outside his home by Valerie Castile (Aaron Lavinsky /Star Tribune via AP)
Don Damond is comforted outside his home by Valerie Castile (Aaron Lavinsky /Star Tribune via AP)

Police Chief Janee Harteau said on Friday that Damon, a life coach and bride-to-be, should not have been shot. “This did not have to happen”, said Harteau. “Justine did not have to die.”

The Damond family have demanded changes to police protocol and swift discipline for the officer responsible, Mohamed Noor, who was in the passenger seat of a squad car and shot at Damond through the driver’s side window as she approached in her pajamas.

MORE: Who Is Mohamed Noor? Officer Who Shot and Killed Australian Justine Damond Had Two Complaints Against Him

Noor’s partner, partner, Matthew Harrity, told investigators he was startled by a loud sound right before Damond approached the police vehicle.

Bennett wasn’t satisfied. “He shouldn’t be on the street with a gun making decisions”, the family’s attorney said. Both officers are now on paid administrative leave.

The Damond family say they now hope to bring Justine home to say goodbye.

“We are still trying to come to terms with this tragedy and we are struggling to understand how and why this could happen”, the family said.

That is becoming an all too familiar refrain for many across the United States.