Justine Damond‘s tragic and senseless death on July 15 shocked the world.
The Australian bride-to-be was fatally shot in the stomach by police officer Mohamed Noor in her adopted home of Minneapolis, America.
Justine had phoned the police after hearing a “distressed” woman in the alleyway outside her house.
When officers responded to the call, Justine was fatally shot. She was wearing her pyjamas at the time.
Her devastated fiancé Don spoke to ABC‘s Australian Story, reliving her final day for the first time. Heartbreakingly on the morning of her death, she was excitedly receiving bridesmaids dresses in the post ahead of her Hawaiian wedding which was due to take place the following month.
Don was away on business when Justine got spooked by the noises in the laneway outside her home. She called him to tell him she’d phoned the police.
“That night I told Justine to call 911, I had this conception that when she said, ‘the police are here,’ I felt like all is well, like the knights in shining armour have arrived,” he said.
“I’ll never feel that way again.”
Woman’s Day spoke to the 40-year-old’s friends and family after the tragedy.
Her friend, fellow life coach Michelle Richmond, told us how Justine changed people’s lives for the better on a daily basis.
“Justine taught people how to love, to be free and to be accepting of themselves and others,” Michelle said.
“She empowered people to be joyous and empathetic. She’d want us to pick up that flame and continue with that very important work.”
“If there is any call to action in this senseless tragedy, may it be a catalyst to build more love, light and healing in our world.”
Justine with her friend Michelle.
Minnesota Police released 911 transcripts after it happened.
FULL 911 TRANSCRIPTS
Time: 23:27:02
Operator: 911, what’s the address of the emergency?
Caller: Hi, I’m, I can hear someone out the back and I, I’m not sure if she’s having sex or being raped.
Operator: Give me the address.
Caller: 5024 Washburn Avenue South.
Operator: Washburn Avenue South. You said it’s behind (inaudible)?
Caller: And there’s a (inaudible) out the back, yup, yup. And I think she just yelled out “help” but it’s difficult the sound has been going on for a while, but I think, I don’t think she’s enjoying it. I think it’s, I don’t know.
Operator: Okay, well I already got a call started and help on the way. Uh, you can’t see anything, you’re just hearing a female screaming then, is that what you’re saying?
Caller: Yeah. It sounds like sex noises, but it’s been going on for a while and I think she tried to say help and it sounds distressed.
Operator: Okay, I’ve already got an officer on the way. What is your name?
Caller: JUSTINE.
Operator: JUSTINE, what’s your last name?
Caller: JUSTINE.
Operator: JUSTINE.
Caller: Yeah.
Operator: And a phone number?
Caller: (redacted)
Operator: Okay, we’ve already got help on the way. If anything changes before we get there just give us a call right back, but officers should be there soon.
Caller: Thanks.
Operator: Okay, not a problem.
Time: 23:35:23
Operator: 911, what is the address of the emergency?
Caller: Hi, I just reported one, but no one’s here and was wondering if they got the address wrong.
Operator: What’s the address?
Caller: 5024 Washburn Avenue South. It supposed to be Washburn Avenue South.
Operator: Are you JUSTINE?
Caller: Yeah, (inaudible).
Operator: You’re hearing a female screaming?
Caller: Yes, along behind the house.
Operator: Yup, officers are on the way there.
Caller: Thank you.
Operator: You’re welcome, bye.
A decision on whether Mohamed Noor will be charged with Justine Damond’s death is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
