Philadelphia District Attorney won’t seek death penalty for Temple Officer’s murder

The family of slain Temple University police officer, Christopher Fitzgerald, is slamming District Attorney Larry Krasner after he announced his office would not pursue the death penalty in the case against 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer, who shot the officer six times in the head in February 2023, an execution captured on Fitzgerald’s body-worn camera. The family has been pressing Krasner to seek the death penalty against Pfeffer ever since. However, Krasner, an opponent of the death penalty, stated that his office found that 72% of Philadelphia death penalty cases were ultimately overturned. The decision has sparked outrage from law enforcement officials and the community alike.

The Fitzgerald Family Calls for Krasner’s Recall

Fitzgerald’s father, Joel Fitzgerald, a former police chief, called Krasner’s decision “reprehensible.” He questioned Krasner’s desire to implement his own agenda over the needs of crime victims and expressed fears that Krasner will attempt a plea deal with Pfeffer for third-degree murder instead of first-degree to avoid a jury trial. Fitzgerald’s widow, Marissa, echoed that sentiment, calling Krasner’s decision “disgusting” and “distasteful.”

The family has filed a civil lawsuit against Pfeffer’s parents, and his mother’s boyfriend claims that Pfeffer’s mother picked him up in Philadelphia after the shooting and drove him home.

Krasner’s Office Defends Decision

Krasner’s spokesperson, Dustin Slaughter, defended the decision not to seek the death penalty, stating that Krasner has been “consistent with his oath to seek justice and uphold the law.” Slaughter said the decision was made after extensive input from the family of Officer Fitzgerald and experts. The DAO committee, which considered the case, includes attorneys with a cumulative total of hundreds of years of homicide and other criminal trial and appeal experience, Slaughter said.

The Temple University Police Association called Krasner a “disgrace.” They also posted the following statement on X: “The disgrace of District Attorney Larry Krasner, will NOT seek the death penalty in the murder case of our hero, Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald. Absolutely devastating news for the Fitzgerald family and law enforcement officers throughout Philadelphia.”

Police Officer Murders & the Death Penalty

Under Title 42, Subchapter B of the Pennsylvania statutes, aggravating and mitigating factors must be considered in sentencing decisions. One aggravating factor is if the victim “was a firefighter, peace officer…law enforcement official in the performance of his duties, who was killed in the performance of his duties or as a result of his official position.” Another aggravating factor is if “the defendant committed a killing while in the perpetration of a felony.”

The only possible “mitigating factor” in this case was if “the defendant has no significant history of prior criminal convictions.” While it is unknown if Pfeffer had a prior history, the way he killed Officer Fitzgerald far outweighs any possible mitigating factor. The decision not to seek the death penalty has been met with criticism from the community, including police unions and Fitzgerald’s family and friends.

Conclusion

The decision by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner not to seek the death penalty in the case against 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer, who shot and killed Temple University police officer Christopher Fitzgerald, has been met with outrage from the community and law enforcement officials. Fitzgerald’s family is calling for Krasner’s recall and urging the Pennsylvania Attorney General to empower a special prosecutor to adopt the case, while Krasner’s office defends the decision, citing input from experts and the victim’s family. The case highlights the ongoing debates surrounding the use of the death penalty in cases involving police officer murders and crime victims.

Long-tail Keywords: Philadelphia District Attorney, Christopher Fitzgerald, Larry Krasner, death penalty, Miles Pfeffer, law enforcement, police officer murders

Originally Post From https://lawenforcementtoday.com/pathetic-pos-philly-da-krasner-refuses-to-seek-death-penalty-in-execution-style-killing-of-temple-university-police-officer

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