A former Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot a 12-year-old boy in the back in March has been charged with first-degree murder, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Monday, saying the boy was unarmed and on the ground when the officer fired.
Highlights
- Edsaul Mendoza, 26, was one of four plainclothes officers in an unmarked car when he fatally shot a 12-year-old boy in the back in March.
- The boy was unarmed and on the ground when the officer fired, the DA says.
- The officers were on patrol as part of a stolen firearm investigation.
- A grand jury presentment released Monday questions the officers’ decision to stop the boys in the first place.
- A preliminary hearing is set for May 16; the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police says it will represent the officer in the case.
- The charges come two months after the shooting violated the department’s use of force directive.