Former USC and NFL running back Joe McKnight was shot to death last Thursday after a road rage incident turned violent in a New Orleans suburb. It took several days, but it looks like charges have finally been filed against McKnight's killer.
Police records show that Ronald Gasser, 54, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter charges in Jefferson Parish, La. Gasser was initially detained after the incident on Thursday, but he released until the eventual arrest on Monday evening.
This is not the first time that Gasser has been involved in a road rage incident at the very intersection where McKnight was killed. Records show that Gasser was involved in another incident in 2006, which resulted in a simple battery charge. That charge was later dismissed.
Police initially came under criticism after Gasser was released from custody last Thursday. McKnight was shot a total of three times during the altercation, and no weapon was found on McKnight by police investigating the matter.
Sheriff: Gasser fired three rounds from driver's seat of his car, through open passenger window at McKnight, standing at window
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Sheriff: We've already been accused of dropping the ball by releasing Gasser. We will leave no stone unturned. 30-40 ofcs working this
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Police noted that the controversial "Stand your ground" law could come into play, but that it is believed that the incident started simply from one car cutting off another.
Sheriff: Think may have been simply cutting someone off while driving
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
Sheriff: Stand your ground law "looms on the horizon."
— Jonathan Bullington (@jrbullington) December 2, 2016
McKnight was a former five-star recruit before committing to USC to much acclaim. He rushed for 2,213 yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons before entering the 2010 NFL Draft, where he was taken in the fourth round by the New York Jets. McKnight played four seasons in the NFL, spending time with the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs.
McKnight was just 28 at the time of his death.
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