NEW ORLEANS — A man accused of shooting and killing an NOPD officer in the French Quarter in 2020 was convicted of second-degree murder on Friday evening.
The jury decided that 48-year-old Donnell Hassell was responsible for the killing of former NOPD Officer Trevor Abney.
According to Nola.com, Hassell faces a mandatory life prison sentence since convicted of murder.
During the three-day trial, District Attorney Jason WIlliams and Assistant District Attorney William Dieters tried the case, arguing Hassell intentionally killed Officer Abney along St. Philip Street, near Royal Street in October 2020.
The defense attorney argued that Hassel "had no criminal intent because Hassell blacked out after smoking marijuana," our partners reported.
However, on Thursday, St. Tammany Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape showed jurors photos of Abney’s autopsy, and an analyst confirmed the DNA on the gun found at the crime scene matched Hassell’s.
Jurors also watched security footage from the day Abney was shot, starting with the defendant on the run and ending with his apprehension.
In 2020, Hassell allegedly ambushed an NOPD patrol car from the back of a pedicab, shooting Officer Abney in the head.
During the ambush, Veteran NOPD officer Trevor Abney was shot between his eyes, and his partner, Officer Brooke Duncan, received minor injuries.
Abney died last April from complications related to the shooting.
Initially, Hassell was charged with attempted murder, but his charge was upgraded after Abney's death.
According to our partners, Hassell and Abney were veterans of the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard respectively.
NOPD Chief Anne Kirkpatrick released a statement following the verdict.
Today, justice has been delivered for Officer Trevor Abney and his loved ones, as Donnell Hassell , the individual responsible for his tragic death, has been found guilty on all counts. My heart goes out to Trevor’s family, whose courage and strength have been remarkable throughout this painful journey. This verdict stands as a reminder of our unwavering commitment to honor and protect those who serve our community. Officer Abney’s legacy will forever be a part of the New Orleans Police Department.
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