A former police officer Florida will spend the next 25 years in prison for fatally shooting a Black man in 2015, making it the first time in nearly three decades a member of the state's law enforcement will serve time for a line-of-duty shooting.
Prosecutors ask judge for life sentence for former officer Nouman Raja, in killing of #CoreyJones Raja convicted of manslaughter and attempted murder. Defense now addressing judge, says Raja is not racist, is victim of racism himself. @CBS12
pic.twitter.com/2aTP3FwO4l— Chuck Weber (@ChuckWeber12) April 25, 2019
Nouman Raja learned of his fate Thursday and will carry out his manslaughter and attempted murder sentence at the same time, according to ABC News. The 41-year-old did not speak during the sentencing.
Family members of the victim, Corey Jones, did however speak to reporters following the verdict and simultaneously mourned the loss of the 31-year-old drummer.
"We are here to let you know that today is a victory for our family, but at the same time we are still suffering. We're still hurting because we don't have Corey here with us," Jones' father, Clinton Jones, Sr., said."
A previous Blavity report explains that Jones was experiencing issues with his vehicle one early morning in 2015, causing him to park his SUV on a ramp while he phoned a tow company. Dressed in civilian clothes and in an unmarked white van, Raja approached Jones and allegedly blocked the victim's vehicle with his own.
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Audio recording reveals Raja can be heard aggressively ordering Jones to put his hands up when he approaches Jones' van. Jones retorts, "Hold on!" as Raja repeats himself. It appears Jones believed he was being robbed and wielded his licensed firearm to defend himself.
Raja fired at Jones three times. Seconds later, Raja shot the victim three more times. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
Attorneys for the deputy attempted to justify the murder using Florida's "stand your ground" law, but The Sun Sentinel writes the jury dismissed that defense on March 7.
"Corey essentially begged (Raja) not to kill him. Corey did nothing wrong. He did everything right and yet he still lost his life," Chief Assistant State Attorney Adrienne Ellis said during court proceedings.
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