Finally, after three and-a-half years the family of Palm Beach County resident Corey Jones, a 31-year old black man, who was shot and killed by white South Asian police officer Nouman Raja in October 2015 has received some justice.
This morning in a Palm Beach County court, a jury of six found Raja, who was previously fired from the Palm Beach Gardens police force, guilty of manslaughter and attempted murder in Jones’ death. Raja is the first police officer in Florida to be convicted of shooting and killing while on duty in 30 years.
A fired Florida police officer has been found guilty as charged of manslaughter and attempted murder in the fatal shooting of a stranded black motorist. Nouman Raja is the first officer in the state to be convicted of an on-duty shooting in 30 years.
A Palm Beach County jury found Raja guilty on Thursday of the October 2015 shooting of 31-year-old Corey Jones. Raja now faces up to life in prison when he’s sentenced.
Jones had been driving on I-95 on the morning of October 18, 2015 when his SUV encountered mechanical problems and he puled off the road unto an exit ramp. While waiting for help Raja, dressed in plain clothes, drove up the darken ramp. However, instead of assisting Jones, Raja accosted him without identifying himself. The prosecution argued Jones thought Raja was a robber, and pulled his licensed firearm. He was then shot several times by Raja, who claimed he shot the young church musician in self defense
Following the announcement of the verdict the judge announced that Raja’s sentencing will be held on April 26. He could be sentenced to life in prison on the charges on which he is convicted.
