Share this @internewscast.com

A Philadelphia police officer who was fired for fatally shooting a 12-year-old unarmed boy in the back has been charged with murder.

A grand jury charged Edsaul Mendoza with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter and possessing an instrument of crime in the March 1 killing of Thomas “TJ” Siderio, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said at a news conference Monday.

Mendoza surrendered on Sunday night, according to court records, and was jailed without bail.

Four plainclothes officers, including Mendoza, were in an unmarked car in South Philadelphia when they pulled up to TJ and a 17-year-old. The district attorney’s office said the four officers gave inconsistent explanations for the stop, though Krasner said one reason given was because the youths were riding their bicycles the wrong way.

TJ “likely” fired a shot at the police car about the same time officers activated the police lights, the district attorney said. Mendoza got out of the car and began a “tactically unsound” foot chase for TJ, firing a total of three shots, Krasner said. The third bullet hit TJ in the back and exited through his chest.

Krasner said the shooting was captured on video viewed by grand jurors that shows Mendoza firing the last shot after the boy was “effectively face-down” after either diving or falling to the ground. Mendoza was “half a car length away” — just a few feet — when he fired the fatal shot, the DA said.

“I find this very disturbing and very difficult to watch,” Krasner said of the video, which still hasn’t been released to the public.

A gun the prosecutor said TJ used to fire at the police car was found about 40 feet from his body, which means he was unarmed when Mendoza shot him. TJ disposed of the firearm before Mendoza fired the last two shots, according to the district attorney.

Mendoza appeared to know that TJ was unarmed before he shot the boy, Krasner said. The video shows the officer running toward TJ without fear of being shot, Krasner said, and also shows Mendoza indicating to a fellow officer where the boy tossed the weapon.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw fired Mendoza about a week after the killing, saying his conduct violated department policy.

The department has refused to confirm the identities of the other officers involved, citing credible threats to them. Krasner said he has no information about such threats.

Source: huffpost

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Team Seeks Testimonies from Trump Officials

Main: President Donald Trump addresses the media while signing executive actions in…

Probe initiated after man sustains critical injuries on Melbourne road

A man has been found with life-threatening injuries on the side of…

Indiana Man Allegedly Threatens Woman and Her Child After Car Collision

An Indiana man faces several felonies after allegedly crashing into a woman’s…

Emily Pike: FBI Announces $75K Reward for Leads in Case of Murdered Indigenous Girl

The FBI is now offering a reward of up to $75,000 for…

Mother Allegedly Attempts to Run Over Children Escaping Conflict: Authorities Report

Inset: Lejonkica Sharp (Shreveport Police Dept.). Background: The location where Sharp allegedly…

New Video Allegedly Captures Bryan Kohberger’s Car Driving Around the Block Before Idaho University Murders

New surveillance footage may show a suspect’s car circling the home where…

14-Year-Old Boy Details Killing Man in Journal: Police

Cops in St. Paul, Minnesota, investigate the homicide that killed 19-year-old Jay’Mier…

Gainesville Resident Faces Two Attempted Murder Charges for September 2024 Shooting at Lewis Place

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On May 2, Drayon Drevell Duncan, 21,…

New York Town Official Accused of Shooting Lost DoorDash Driver Seeking Directions

A public servant from a town in the Hudson Valley was taken…

Judge Mandates Evidence Submission in Notable Deportation Case

President Donald Trump addresses the press prior to signing an executive order…

Security Camera Records Duo Burglarizing House

A couple’s cat camera has captured two thieves ransacking their home in…

Man Accused of Killing Ex-Girlfriend in Car Incident

Left: Damen Carrillo (San Antonio Police Department). Right: Ghabriella Barrera (Selfie). A…