A former police from New Orleans who burned a man shot to death by his fellow police officer during Hurricane Katrina was given a 17 year sentenced, reduced by more five years. The sentenced was given on Thursday by a federal judge.
Gregory McRae bided for an even greater sentence cut, however, the U.S. District Judge, Lance Africk had cut the former police's sentenced to 11 years and nine months after one of his convictions in connection to the burning of Henry Glover's corpse was tossed out, ABC News reported. The victim's body was discovered four days after the Katrina Hurricane struck the state back in the year 2005.
The judge rejected Michael Fawer, McRae's attorney's argument insisting that the defendant was mentally "unhinged" despite a forensic psychologist's testimony. He explained that it was due to the four days of nearly no sleep and rest as well as the pressure of rescuing more people. The horrific sights of corpses, and flooded surroundings also contributed to his mental state.
According to psychologist Rafael Salcedo, he said he believed the former cop was under an early onset of post-traumatic stress disorder, during the time he committed the crime. Back September 2, 2005, McRae burned a car with Glover's body inside and that the situation had diminished his ability to realize that he had done wrong, Daily Mail reported.
However, Assistant US Attorney Jared Fishman said, a circumstantial evidence was shown during the court trial that McRae was aware that Glover was shot by his fellow police officer, David Warren and had been an accessory of hiding the crime. Fawer in defense had told at the trial that there was no evidence of McRae knowing it.
Five people were charge linking on the death of the victim. McRae already served five years, and the only remaining conviction stands. His co-police officer, Warren was convicted for manslaughter and had been imprisoned.
