By Michael Kunzelman
The Virginian-Pilot
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — In a case that rocked a city already torn by the horrors of Hurricane Katrina, four police officers could face death for gunning down two unarmed people seeking refuge in the storm’s aftermath.
Sgts. Robert Gisevius and Kenneth Bowen, Officer Anthony Villavaso and former Officer Robert Faulcon were charged in a 27-count indictment unsealed Tuesday. Sgt. Arthur Kaufman and retired Sgt. Gerard Dugue were also were charged with participating in a cover-up.
Five former New Orleans officers already have pleaded guilty to helping cover up the shootings on the Danziger Bridge that left two men dead and four injured just days after the August 2005 hurricane. In one instance, a mentally disabled man was fatally shot .
Prosecutors say officers fabricated witness statements, falsified reports and planted a gun in an attempt to make it appear the shootings were justified .
The latest indictments come shortly after the city’s new mayor replaced its former police chief.
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