Nouman Raja sentencing hearing for killing Corey Jones
A former South Florida police officer who fatally shot a stranded black motorist will be sentenced Thursday.
Nouman Raja was convicted last month of manslaughter and attempted first-degree murder in the 2015 fatal shooting of Corey Jones, who was stranded on the side of an Interstate 95 exit ramp in Palm Beach Gardens after his SUV had broken down.
Defense attorneys argued during trial that Raja, 41, shot Jones in self-defense. Jones, who had a concealed weapons permit, pulled a gun.
Prosecutors claimed Raja instigated the confrontation because he was working undercover and never identified himself as a police officer, leading Jones, 31, to believe that Raja was a robber.
A now-bearded Raja entered the courtroom for Thursday afternoon’s sentencing hearing wearing a jail uniform.
Palm Beach County Judge Joseph Marx denied a motion for a new trial last week. Raja’s attorneys argued the “court erred in the decision of matters of law arising before and during the course of the trial” and “erroneously instructed the jury on matters of law and refused to give a proper instruction requested by the defendant.”
Raja who was fired by the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department shortly after the shooting, faces a minimum of 25 years to life in prison.
“He hunted down an innocent man and killed him,” Marc Johnson wrote. “He ruined the lives of Corey Jones’ family, as well as his own. And still he shows not an ounce of remorse.”
Johnson went on to say that Raja “should not have the opportunity for parole” and should “spend the rest of his life trying to atone for his wrongdoing.”
“At least he will have the opportunity to apologize to his wife and children for deceiving them,” Johnson wrote. “At least he will have the opportunity to simply wake up everyday. Corey Jones will never have the opportunity to do anything ever again.”
How We Can Help
If you, a friend or a family member find themselves in a situation such as this, please call the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A. at 305 670-3330 right away. Scott A. Ferris, Esq. is a licensed criminal attorney who has been practicing law since 1987. He is available whenever you need him to pursue your rights. Please learn about our firm at www.FerrisLawFirm.com.
Republished by the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A.