Joe McKnight’s shooter charged with murder

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Ronald Gasser, the man authorities say shot former NFL player Joe McKnight after a traffic dispute has been charged with second degree murder.

Joe McKnight’s Shooter Ronald Gasser charged

If convicted, Gasser, could face life in prison without the possibility of parole, probation or suspension of sentence.

As a result of the indictment, his bond was increased to $750,000.

Joe McKnight’s Shooter claims self-defense

Gasser said he was acting in self-defense during the road rage incident on December 1st.

According to a witness who spoke to Outside the Lines in the past week, said McKnight did not appear to be acting aggressively toward Gasser just before he was shot three times outside of his car at an intersection.

The witness, Andrew Bailey, 26, told Outside the Lines that McKnight was standing in the small space between his Audi SUV and the passenger window of Gasser’s Infiniti sedan, “talking with his hands” and appearing to be having a “general conversation.” Bailey — who was waiting to turn on the other side of the Terrytown, Louisiana, intersection — said the 28-year-old former Southern California star was not trying to force his way into Gasser’s car. “He never moved closer to the vehicle.”

Incident that led to charges

When police arrived on the scene in Terrytown, LA, Gasser, 54, immediately admitted that he shot McKnight, who was unarmed, from inside his vehicle.

Police took Gasser into custody and after questioning, freed him within hours. The releasing of Gasser sparked backlash in the community and accusations of preferential racial treatment. Four days later, Gasser was booked; police at that point said they did so after conducting more than 160 interviews and questioning the suspect for more than 12 hours.

“Information provided from our sources indicates that McKnight exited his vehicle and attempted to enter through the passenger window of Mr. Gasser’s vehicle while threatening him with serious bodily harm,” attorneys Matthew Goetz and Gerard Archer, who represent Gasser, said in an email sent after-hours Thursday to The Associated Press.

Alleged self-defense

Ronald Gasser’s attorney say their client acted in self-defense. Gasser “feared for his life” and did what any “law-abiding citizen” would do when he fatally shot Joe McKnight Dec. 1, said attorney Matthew Goetz.

“He protected himself, waited for police and fully cooperated with the sheriff’s office from the moment they arrived,” Goetz said.

“He has nothing to hide. Unfortunately, it had a tragic ending. But when you’re accosted inside your vehicle, Louisiana law gives you the right to defend yourself.”