Police shot six people, killing two, and then conspired to plant a gun at the scene, fabricate witnesses and falsify reports. The two victims who died were James Brissette, 17, and Ronald Madison, 40.
The officers went on to claim that they opened fire only after being threatened or shot at, and that they had seen weapons in the victims’ hands.
But during a six week trial last year prosecutors presented evidence from dozens of witnesses including Susan Bartholomew, who lost her arm after being fired on with a shotgun.
Witnesses also included several other officers who had earlier pleaded guilty to roles in the shootings or cover up.
Prosecutor Thomas Perez said: “We hope that today’s sentences give a measure of peace and closure to the victims of this terrible shooting, who have suffered unspeakable pain and who have waited so patiently for justice to be done.
“The officers who shot innocent people on the bridge and then went to great lengths to cover up their own crimes have finally been held accountable for their actions. As a result of today’s sentencing, the city of New Orleans can take another step forward.”
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