Officer convicted of killing black motorist wants new trial

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Florida police officer recently convicted of killing a stranded black motorist wants the verdict dismissed.

Attorneys for fired Palm Beach Gardens officer Nouman Raja asked Judge Joseph Marx this week to dismiss the jury’s March 7 manslaughter and attempted murder conviction. They want Marx to acquit Raja of the 2015 slaying of 31-year-old Corey Jones or order a new trial.

The attorneys argue the evidence doesn’t support Raja’s conviction and say Marx made errors that made the trial unfair. Such motions are common after convictions and rarely granted, but set the stage for further appeals.

The 41-year-old officer is facing a minimum sentence of 25 years for killing Jones along a highway off ramp and could get life. Sentencing is scheduled for April 25.

Raja is of Asian descent.