MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A Wisconsin family is unhappy with the lesser homicide conviction of a man who shot two women at a Madison group home in 2016.
Ali Hassan, 26, was found guilty of homicide by intoxicated use of a firearm in the death of 23-year-old Fatoumatta Jallow, the Wisconsin State Journal reported . The conviction carries up to 25 years of combined prison time and extended supervision. The jury didn’t find him guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, which would’ve resulted in a life sentence.
Jallow’s family members said they’re upset Hassan received a lesser charge.
“We feel that justice was not done for Fatoumatta Jallow today,” said her stepmother, Essie Jallow. “She was cheated out of her life. We’re not sure why the jury found the lesser charge. She didn’t deserve what she got.”
Hassan was also found guilty of attempted first-degree intentional homicide for shooting 32-year-old Julie Connors. The conviction has up to 60 years of combined prison and extended supervision.
Hassan worked at various group homes for REM Wisconsin. While he didn’t know Jallow, he had occasionally worked with Connors. Hassan testified that he had been drinking heavily and doesn’t remember much about the Dec. 2016 shooting.
Adam Welch, one of Hassan’s attorneys, said prosecutors had presented no evidence that Hassan had intended to kill anyone.
“There’s nothing there that adds up to any intent to kill Fatoumatta,” Welch said. “If they don’t have intent through his words, actions and motives, they don’t have it.”
Hassan was also found guilty of reckless endangerment and attempted arson.
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Information from: Wisconsin State Journal, http://www.madison.com/wsj
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