Two individuals have confessed to murder and racketeering charges related to the fatal shooting of a Philadelphia police officer in March 2020.
Hassan Elliott, aged 26, and Khalif Sears, aged 23, acknowledged their involvement in the deaths of SWAT Corporal James O’Connor IV during an attempted arrest for a prior homicide that occurred in 2019.
As law enforcement officers ascended the stairwell of Elliott’s residence, he discharged over a dozen rounds through the wall, resulting in multiple gunshot wounds to O’Connor’s neck and arm, according to authorities.

Sears, along with two other men, was taken into custody at the scene.
Federal prosecutors have indicated that these men were affiliated with a gang responsible for a series of shootings, totaling more than a dozen incidents, which resulted in three fatalities while they attempted to monopolize drug sales in the Frankford area of Philadelphia.
Prosecutors are recommending a lengthy prison sentence for both men: Elliott is expected to face 55 to 75 years, while Sears, as an accomplice to the crimes, could receive between 35 to 50 years.
Sentencing for both individuals is anticipated to take place later this spring.

Sears’ attorney chose not to comment, and attempts to reach Elliott’s legal representation for a statement were unsuccessful.
The widow of Officer O’Connor, Terri, expressed her distress over her husband’s untimely demise, describing it as “unfair” and noting that it has drastically “ruined our lives.”
O’Connor, 46 years old, was a father to two children, one of whom was actively serving in the police force during that period.