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A Philadelphia police officer is facing murder charges following the fatal shooting of an unarmed 12-year-old boy during a pursuit that occurred last month, Your Content has learned.
The incident unfolded when the young boy allegedly discharged his own firearm into the officer’s unmarked vehicle.
The accused, Edsaul Mendoza, has been formally charged with the murder of Thomas TJ Siderio, the 12-year-old victim.
On March 1, Mendoza pursued Siderio through the streets of Philadelphia. Mendoza, along with other officers, was operating undercover when they approached the armed boy in their vehicle.
During the confrontation, Siderio fired his weapon into the officers’ unmarked car before fleeing the scene. In pursuit, Mendoza fired his gun a total of three times.
Following the second shot, Siderio dropped his firearm and either fell or collapsed onto the ground.
Shockingly, Mendoza proceeded to fire his weapon for a third time while the boy was in a prone position, ultimately resulting in his death.
Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner, has confirmed the existence of video evidence capturing the entire incident.
This crucial footage was presented to a grand jury, revealing Mendoza’s awareness that the young boy was not armed at the time of the fatal shooting, according to FOX34.
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