The final act of legal deliberation has come to a close for Donnell Hassell, the man accused of the 2020 French Quarter shooting that resulted in the death of NOPD Officer Trevor Abney. According to WWLTV, the jury witnessed security footage capturing the sequence of events on the day Abney was fatally shot, showcasing Hassell's attempt to escape and eventual capture by authorities.
Hassell, who engaged in a deadly encounter from the back of a pedicab, was seen firing .40-caliber rounds, hitting Officer Abney below his left eye and injuring another officer. Abney sustained his injuries with immense fortitude for over two years before succumbing in April 2023. As reported by NOLA.com, the defense contended that Hassell's criminal intent was absent due to a blackout induced by marijuana consumption and questioned the autopsy report's conclusiveness in tying Abney’s death to his gunshot wound.
However, prosecutors juxtaposed this defense by insisting Hassell's behavior prior to the incident appeared unaffected and his conscious actions post-shooting demonstrated awareness and culpability. Not only did he flee the crime scene, but he also made the efforts to dispose of the gun used in the offense. The implication being that, even amidst an alleged stupor, Hassell managed criminal maneuvers to avoid facing the scene he had orchestrated.
The verdict, as WDSU obtained in a statement from New Orleans Police Department superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, echoed through the hearts of a community; a guilty verdict on all counts. "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," Kirkpatrick expressed.
