METAIRIE, La. —
Walter Sippio, 22, of New Orleans, was accused of shooting and killing Dwayne Nosacka, 36, of Metairie, after allegedly cutting in line at a Chevron gas station on Clearview Parkway in Metairie in September 2021.
The shooting happened in the wake of Hurricane Ida when there were long lines at gas stations. The two men got into a dispute, and that’s when Sippio allegedly pulled a gun and shot Nosacka before driving off.
Jury selection had started in the retrial on Monday morning, but by 2:45 p.m. Sippio had already entered a plea deal. Sippio pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a 25-year sentence.
During his sentencing Sippio initially said he did not want to speak to the court. According to WWL Louisiana Reporter Mike McDaniel, it was the judge in the case who eventually got Sippio to address the court.
Sippio then apparently apologized to the Nosacka's family, but the judge said he didn't buy it, saying 25 years is not enough. Despite that, the judge said he would accept the plea.
Sippio faced a life sentence for second-degree murder. The assistant district attorney had told potential jurors on Monday that she believed that "justifiable homicide" would be the defense in the case.
The case was already tried last May, but the jury in that first attempt was deadlocked. Judge Donald "Chick" Foret of the 24th Judicial District Court declared it a mistrial.
