New Orleans – Seven policemen charged in a deadly bridge shooting in the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina turned themselves in Tuesday at the city jail, where more than 200 emotional supporters met them in a show of solidarity.
Each of the indicted men faces at least one charge of murder or attempted murder in the Sept. 4, 2005, shootings on the Danziger Bridge less than a week after the hurricane. Two people died and four were wounded.
Defense attorneys say the seven officers are innocent.
As the men arrived at the jail, supporters lined the street, stepping forward to embrace the seven men and shake their hands.
One sign read “Support the Danziger 7.” Another read “Thanks for protecting our city.” One protester shouted “Police killings must stop” and “Racism must go” but was shouted down.
“These men stayed here to protect our city and protect us, and this is the thanks that is given to them,” said Ryan Maher, 34, of New Orleans.
Sgts. Kenneth Bowen and Robert Gisevius, officer Anthony Villavaso and former officer Robert Faulcon were charged with first-degree murder. Officers Robert Barrios and Mike Hunter were charged with attempted first-degree murder, and Ignatius Hills was charged with attempted second-degree murder.
A judge said there would be no bail for the four accused of first- degree murder. Bail will be $100,000 per count for the others.
Police say the officers were responding to a report of other officers down and that they thought Ronald Madison, 40, a mentally retarded man, was reaching for a gun. Madison and James Brissette, 19, were killed.
The coroner said Madison was shot seven times, with five wounds in the back.
Madison’s brother Lance, who was also on the bridge and was cleared of attempted-murder charges, denies he or his brother was armed. He said they were running from a group of teens who had opened fire on the bridge when seven men jumped out of a rental truck and also shot at them without warning.
