Family of Boy Killed by Philly Cop Gets $3M Settlement

Family of Boy Killed by Philly Cop Gets $3M Settlement

Introduction

The family of a 12-year-old boy who was fatally shot by a Philadelphia police officer in 2022 has reached a $3 million settlement with the city. The child was unarmed and lying on the ground when the officer delivered the fatal shot to his back, according to officials.

Incident Leading to the Shooting

Authorities stated that the boy initially fired a shot at an unmarked police vehicle, injuring one of the four plainclothes officers inside. During the ensuing chase, he discarded the gun about 40 feet away before either tripping or intentionally dropping to the ground. It was then that he was fatally shot.

Officer Charged and Sentenced

The officer, a five-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, was terminated one week after the incident. In April 2024, he pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and received a sentence of eight to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors said he fired at the boy from a relatively close distance during the foot chase.

Family’s Response to Settlement

“This is a tragic case that never should have happened,” the family’s attorney stated. “This resolution provides some measure of justice to the family for their devastating loss.”

Details of Police Operation

At the time of the incident, the undercover officers were conducting surveillance as part of a firearm investigation. They had intended to question a different teenager and spotted the 12-year-old and another 17-year-old nearby. When they attempted to initiate a stop by pulling up with emergency lights activated, a gunshot was fired from outside into the rear of the vehicle, breaking a window and injuring an officer. The accused officer and a second officer returned fire before the chase began.