Philadelphia’s chief prosecutor, Larry Krasner, decided not to pursue the death penalty for a teenager accused of fatally shooting a Temple University officer. The District Attorney, known for his opposition to capital punishment, announced the decision, which sparked frustration among the victim’s colleagues and family members. The suspect, 19-year-old Miles Pfeffer from suburban Philadelphia, allegedly shot Officer Christopher Fitzgerald multiple times during a chase in February 2023, resulting in the officer’s death. Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old married father of four, was killed as he attempted to apprehend Pfeffer following a string of robberies and carjackings in the area. Pfeffer was arrested the day after the incident at his mother’s residence and faces charges including murder, killing a police officer, and carjacking. He is currently held without bail, with no trial date set.
A spokesperson for Krasner mentioned that the decision to forgo the death penalty came after thorough consideration of input from experts and the victim’s family. The prosecutor evaluated all aspects of the case and information regarding the defendant before reaching a conclusion. Pfeffer, represented by the public defender’s office, did not provide immediate comments on the matter. Joel Fitzgerald, the victim’s father and a former city officer now serving as the head of transit police in Denver, criticized Krasner’s background as a defense attorney, claiming it has influenced the fairness of the judicial process. The Temple University Police Association expressed deep disappointment with the decision in a social media statement, describing it as “absolutely devastating.” Governor Josh Shapiro, another Democrat in the state, has previously pledged not to authorize any execution warrants in Pennsylvania, which currently has a moratorium on the death penalty.