Hot Topics:

Jury Convicts 5 On Multiple Counts In Danziger Trial

Defendants Guilty Of Deprivation Of Civil Rights

NEW ORLEANS -- A federal jury found five current or former police officers guilty in the deadly shootings on a New Orleans bridge after Hurricane Katrina.

Four of the officers were convicted of civil rights violations in the shootings that killed two people and wounded four others on the Danziger Bridge less than a week after the 2005 storm.

All five were convicted with participating in a cover-up that prosecutors said included a planted gun, falsified reports and fabricated witnesses.

However, the jury decided that neither fatal shooting was a murder.

Federal prosecutors say police shot unarmed people without justification.

"The citizens of this country will not and should not, and we intend that they will never have to fear the individuals who were called upon to protect them," said Jim Letten, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

"To the victims and their families who have very patiently worked with an impatient and slow justice system, they have worked with us and waited patiently for today. I am in awe of them, and I want to express my gratitude to them," said lead prosecutor Bobbi Bernstein.

The victims' family members said the verdict is a closure, and having the officers finally held accountable for their actions is a bit of comfort they can hold on to for the loved ones they will never get back.

"We do wish to acknowledge the NOPD officers who finally, after many years, came forward to tell the truth. We regret that they did not have the courage or strength to come forward from the beginning," said Ronald Madison's sister, Jacqueline Madison Brown.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas issued the following statement in response to the verdict:

“Today's verdict reaffirms our belief and support of the justice system. While a terribly dark chapter of the NOPD has closed, these verdicts and those in the Glover case, reaffirm that a small number of NOPD personnel created great pain for the victims of their crimes. They also forever tainted many men and women of the NOPD who gave their all and gave so much each day during Katrina. We look to the future and the continued rebuilding of the NOPD. We will continue to recognize that we must take the first steps to heal our relationship with the people of New Orleans. Our commitment is unwavering.”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said the verdicts will provide closure for a "dark chapter of the city's history."

"We now have an opportunity to turn the page and to heal," he said. “With these verdicts, the American justice system delivered a clear message that no one stands above the law and that police abuse and misconduct will not be tolerated. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to change. The citizens of New Orleans deserve nothing less than a police department that truly protects and serves -- one that partners with the community to keep New Orleans safe. Our heartfelt apologies and prayers are with the families of James Brissette, Ronald Madison, Leonard Bartholomew III, Susan Bartholomew, Lesha Bartholomew, Jose Holmes Jr., and Lance Madison.”

Sentencing is set for Dec. 14.

Family Members React