Photo: The Shadow League
The Joe McKnight road rage murder has once again sent our country into a heated discussion about race, police and the value of an African-American life.
Finally, after dragging their feet on an arrest, the man who allegedly hunted and gunned down the former NFL and USC running back in cold blood was arrested on a felony manslaughter charge, Jefferson Parish (La.) Sheriff Newell Normand confirmed at a news conference on Tuesday.
Ronald Gasser, 54, was taken into custody on Monday with his bond set at $500,000. Gasser was questioned for more than 10 hours by investigators since Thursday's shooting that Normand described as a road rage incident that turned deadly.
Photo: The Shadow League
While, every community should be elated that the killer was charged, the NAACP and McKnight’s good friend Robby Green feel that the charge of manslaughter is not enough and once again devalues the life of another African-American male.
"He should have been charged with a higher charge. Manslaughter is like a slap on the wrist or to pacify the community," said Gaylor Spiller, President of the West Jefferson Chapter of the NAACP.
"There are similar cases here in Jefferson Parish that show that second-degree murder would have been the best charge," said NAACP Attorney Michelle Charles.
Green appeared on MSNBC on Thursday morning and was asked by a correspondent if he feels that the manslaughter charges are sufficient, fair, or adequate at all.
“Honestly I know nothing about the law,” responded a solemn and still heartbroken Green, who was wearing a black baseball cap emblazoned with “Justice 4 Joe” on it. "But manslaughter ? … I don’t think this is the case here. My friend was followed, chased down and murdered. I don’t think this case is a manslaughter case."
And neither do most logical people aside from the local Sheriff’s office. Sheriff Normand defended his officers handling of the case, saying they did a proper, diligent job unaffected by race.
He also said in his press conference, in response to those who don’t agree with his handling of the case, “tough.” He insisted that his investigation would not be influenced by outside demands.
