Two New Orleans Police Officers Convicted In 2005 Fatal Beating

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – A veteran officer is now facing a possible life sentence for beating 48-year-old handyman Raymond Robair to death. His rookie partner at that time is facing a 25-year sentence for covering up the crime. Prosecutors say that after officer Melvin Williams kicked and beat Robair with a baton, he and officer Mathew Dean Moore dropped him off at Charity Hospital, where he later died. It's is one of several federal cases filed over alleged civil rights violations committed by police. One set for trial this summer involves several officers accused of shooting unarmed civilians on Danziger Bridge in the chaotic days after Hurricane Katrina. Sentencing for Williams and Moore is set for sentencing July 14th.
For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming.