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The man who admitted to shooting former New York Jets and USC running back Joe McKnight was charged with second-degree murder on Thursday, the Jefferson Parish (La.) District Attorney's office announced. Ronald Gasser, 54, faces life in prison if convicted of fatally shooting McKnight in a "road rage" incident on Dec. 1 in Terrytown, just outside New Orleans. Bail was set at $750,000.
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Gasser was initially charged with manslaughter in the death of McKnight and that decision sparked outrage and claims that Gasser, who is white, received preferential treatment.
The case went before a grand jury and it was that group who handed down Thursday's indictment.
"Subsequent to that arrest, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office continued working together in a collaborative effort to develop additional evidence regarding the case," the district attorney's office said in a statement. "Today's indictment comes as a result of that joint effort."
Gasser shot McKnight three times as the former NFL fourth-round pick approached his car. The two combatants had cut one another off with their cars numerous times prior to the altercation.
After shooting McKnight, witnesses said Gasser stood over McKnight and watched him die. He used his gun to shoo away people who tried to help McKnight.
McKnight emerged as a star in his three seasons with the Trojans, rushing for 1,014 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior in 2009.
He was selected by the New York Jets in the 2010 draft and played three seasons with the team. He also played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014.
McKnight totaled 505 rushing yards on 113 carries and caught 23 passes for 241 yards in 41 NFL games.
