A Jefferson Parish judge on Monday (Jan. 29) sentenced Walter Sippio to 25 years, accepting a negotiated plea agreement in which the defendant admitted he shot a man at a Metairie gas station in the days following Hurricane Ida, when electricity outages were widespread and people sought fuel for generators and their vehicles.
Sippio, 22, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to manslaughter as jury selection was underway in his trial. He had been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Dwayne Nosacka, 36, of Metairie.
“The defendant’s plea to manslaughter and 25 years ensures the family closure today, as well as prevents the witnesses to this event from having to testify again.” – Assistant District Attorney Rachel Africk
Nosacka was among the numerous people lined up to get gas at the business in the 2300 block of Clearview Parkway on Sept. 3, 3021, when Sippio pulled up and cut into the line. His action led to an argument that culminated with Sippio shooting Nosacka in the parking lot beside the gas pumps.
Sippio fled but later surrendered and subsequently asserted self-defense. He stood trial last year, but a jury deliberated for about six hours but deadlocked on whether Sippio was guilty of second-degree murder. Judge Donald “Chick” Foret of the 24th Judicial District Court then declared a mistrial.
While jury selection was underway on Monday, discussions regarding a plea began. “In making the decision to allow the defendant to plea to manslaughter and 25 years, the District Attorney’s Office took into consideration the facts of this individual case, the defendant’s age and lack of criminal history,” Assistant District Attorney Rachel Africk told Judge Foret.
“As the court is aware, this case was tried previously, resulting in a hung jury,” Africk told the judge. “The defendant’s plea to manslaughter and 25 years ensures the family closure today, as well as prevents the witnesses to this event from having to testify again.”
The victim’s mother was present in court and gave a victim impact statement.
Judge Foret accepted the plea and sentenced Sippio to 25 years.
Assistant District Attorneys Rachel Africk and LaShanda Webb prosecuted the case.