Post-Katrina Fatal Shooting Brings New Orleans Cop Michael Hunter 8 Years in Prison

NEW ORLEANS (CBS/AP) Michael Hunter stood quietly as a judge sentenced the former New Orleans police officer Wednesday to eight years in federal prison for his role in the coverup and deadly shooting of unarmed civilians after Hurricane Katrina.

The sentence from U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance was the maximum allowed, and nine months more than sentencing guidelines recommended.

Vance called the police shooting on the Danziger Bridge that killed two and wounded four civilians, "sickeningly brutal."

Hunter admitted firing at the people on the bridge, even though he knew they were unarmed and posed no threat, but said he did not hit anyone. But Vance pointed out that he did nothing to stop his fellow officers from firing, in fact watching "an officer shoot Ronald Madison in the back at close range."

Ronald Madison, 40, and mentally disabled, and James Brissette, 19, were killed and four wounded as they crossed the bridge in search of food five days after Katrina struck Aug. 29, 2005.

Lance Madison, who accompanied his brother, Ronald, and who was arrested for attempted murder, testified less than a month later that a group of teenagers started shooting at them before they met police.

Hunter, who pleaded guilty as part of a deal with prosecutors, is one of five former officers who have take a guilty plea in the case. Six other current or former officers also have been indicted on charges related to the shooting and coverup.

Before the sentence was read, Hunter told the victims' families and his wife that he was sorry.

Hunter is to report to the Bureau of Prisons on March 14. Prosecutors said they could ask for a sentence reduction if Hunter continues to cooperate and testifies against other officers.