Baton Rouge officers involved in Alton Sterling case have appeal hearings granted

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The appeals hearings for Baton Rouge police officer Howie Lake and former officer Blane Salamoni — the two officers involved in 2016 fatal shooting of Alton Sterling — are set for the fall.

Salamoni's hearing, the officer terminated for his conduct in the incident which included firing the shots that killed Sterling, will be held Oct. 18 and 19, the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board decided Thursday. The hearing for Lake, who was suspended for three days for his conduct in the incident, will be Nov. 15.

Both hearings will come more than two years after the encounter outside a convenience store on North Foster Drive in July 2016, which drew days of protests nationwide about police brutality.

Lawyers for Salamoni, Lake and Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul agreed on the dates and the decision to separate the hearings.

"We definitely want a decision, but we don't want to be rushed," said Salamoni's lawyer, John McLindon. McLindon said since Salamoni's firing he has gotten a job, but would not say where the former officer found employment.

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However, Sterling's aunt, Veda Washington, who came after the meeting to find out about the appeal hearing for Salamoni, said she is concerned about the date.

"It's a long time for this. Period," Washington said, wearing an shirt commemorating the life of Sterling. She said her family plans to attend all future hearings, demanding justice for her nephew.

The board agreed the dates for the hearings were appropriate to give time to attorney's to file subpoenas and prepare evidence exhibits for the board.

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