A former Philadelphia police officer pleaded guilty to murder on Friday for killing a 12-year-old boy. The officer allegedly fired two shots during a foot chase after the boy had thrown away his gun, according to the prosecutors’ office.
Edsaul Mendoza, 28, admitted to third-degree murder and possession of a weapon in connection with the death of Thomas “TJ” Siderio on March 1, 2022, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
District Attorney Larry Krasner emphasized the importance of equal justice and accountability for all individuals in a recent statement. He emphasized that justice should be fair and impartial, ensuring that everyone is held responsible for their actions under the law.
The court did not disclose a possible sentence, and the sentencing has been scheduled for July 22.
In May 2022, Mendoza faced serious consequences as he was terminated from the Philadelphia Police Department. Not only that, he also had to deal with multiple charges, including first-degree murder, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and possession of an instrument of a crime.
According to a court document, a grand jury stated that Mendoza and three other officers, who were on-duty but in plain clothes, halted Siderio and his 17-year-old companion while they were riding bikes at approximately 7:30 p.m. The officers recognized the 17-year-old as being “tangentially connected” to a stolen gun case.
The police car’s lights flashed on, and a gunshot shattered the passenger side window of the unmarked vehicle.
According to the grand jury document, Mendoza chased Siderio, who was armed at the time, on foot as the boys ran and split up.
According to the grand jury document, Mendoza fired three shots. However, the last two shots were fired after Siderio had already thrown away the gun. The final shot, which proved to be fatal, was fired from a distance of approximately 10 feet.
According to the grand jury’s findings, the gun Siderio threw was eventually discovered. It was determined that he had most likely used a Taurus 9mm handgun to fire at the unmarked car prior to the tragic pursuit.
Siderio was in a position where he had ceased running and may have been surrendering when he was killed.
Krasner characterized the foot chase as “tactically unsound” and labeled the death of the boy as a tragic event.
According to the document, when Siderio was hit by the third shot, he either fell or dove to the ground. The grand jury noted that if Mendoza believed the boy was armed, the proper tactical response would have been to seek cover and approach cautiously. However, Mendoza did not follow this protocol and instead ran up the street without any protection, leaving himself completely exposed.
According to the grand jury document, the approach of PO Mendoza towards Thomas Siderio was completely contradictory to his belief that Siderio was armed.
Mendoza’s attorney did not respond to a message seeking comment that was left after business hours on Friday evening.
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