NEW ORLEANS — Four New Orleans police officers have been charged in connection with the killings of unarmed civilians on the Danziger Bridge in the days after Hurricane Katrina, federal law enforcement officials announced Tuesday.
Former Officer Robert Faulcon, Sgt. Kenneth Bowen, Sgt. Robert Gisevius and Officer Anthony Villavaso were charged with federal civil rights violations in the killing of 17-year-old James Brissette and the wounding of four others, all members of the same family, when the officers came across a group on the bridge in New Orleans and opened fire.
In addition, Faulcon was charged with shooting a man with severe mental disabilities in the back as he tried to flee.
All four could face the death penalty. Two other officers were charged Tuesday with lesser offenses.
