Latest news with #MilesPfeffer
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Associated Press
Philadelphia jury convicts suburban man of killing Temple University officer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia jury on Wednesday convicted a suburban man of killing a Temple University police officer who had chased him down as a suspect in a series of carjackings. That Miles Pfeffer killed Officer Christopher Fitzgerald had not been in dispute. The murder trial largely centered on whether the February 2023 shooting death was intentional. After less than a half-hour of deliberations, jurors found him guilty of first-degree murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, gun crimes and other offenses. Lawyers for Pfeffer, who was arrested hours later on his mother's sprawling 18th century Bucks County farm property in upscale Buckingham, said he was a frightened 18-year-old who panicked that night. Prosecutors told jurors in opening statements that Fitzgerald gave chase after spotting Pfeffer, his brother and a friend dressed in black and wearing masks in an area where there had been a series of robberies and carjackings. Two of the teenagers hid. Fitzgerald caught up with Pfeffer and ordered him to the ground, leading to a struggle, authorities said. Pfeffer then pulled out a gun and shot Fitzgerald six times, sometimes at point-blank range, prosecutors said. A security camera video played in court for jurors showed some of the chase and shooting. Pfeffer's brother testified against him at trial. Fitzgerald, 31, was married and a father. Assistant Defender Susan Ricci said in openings that Pfeffer's actions had not been premeditated. But Assistant District Attorney Lauren Crump said the video of Pfeffer standing over the officer and shooting proved his intent. Pfeffer, now 20, faces a life sentence. Court files did not immediately disclose a sentencing date. District Attorney Larry Krasner opposes the death penalty and did not pursue it in this case, despite calls for capital punishment from Fitzgerald's father, a former city officer who now runs the Denver transit police, and the Temple University Police Association, which called Krasner's decision 'devastating.'
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
Philadelphia jury convicts suburban man of killing Temple University officer
A Philadelphia jury on Wednesday convicted a suburban man of killing a Temple University police officer who had chased him down as a suspect in a series of carjackings. That Miles Pfeffer killed Officer Christopher Fitzgerald had not been in dispute. The murder trial largely centered on whether the February 2023 shooting death was intentional. After less than a half-hour of deliberations, jurors found him guilty of first-degree murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, gun crimes and other offenses. Lawyers for Pfeffer, who was arrested hours later on his mother's sprawling 18th century Bucks County farm property in upscale Buckingham, said he was a frightened 18-year-old who panicked that night. Prosecutors told jurors in opening statements that Fitzgerald gave chase after spotting Pfeffer, his brother and a friend dressed in black and wearing masks in an area where there had been a series of robberies and carjackings. Two of the teenagers hid. Fitzgerald caught up with Pfeffer and ordered him to the ground, leading to a struggle, authorities said. Pfeffer then pulled out a gun and shot Fitzgerald six times, sometimes at point-blank range, prosecutors said. A security camera video played in court for jurors showed some of the chase and shooting. Pfeffer's brother testified against him at trial. Fitzgerald, 31, was married and a father. Assistant Defender Susan Ricci said in openings that Pfeffer's actions had not been premeditated. But Assistant District Attorney Lauren Crump said the video of Pfeffer standing over the officer and shooting proved his intent. Pfeffer, now 20, faces a life sentence. Court files did not immediately disclose a sentencing date. District Attorney Larry Krasner opposes the death penalty and did not pursue it in this case, despite calls for capital punishment from Fitzgerald's father, a former city officer who now runs the Denver transit police, and the Temple University Police Association, which called Krasner's decision 'devastating.'
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Verdict in for trial of man accused of murdering Temple University police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald
The jury has reached a verdict on Wednesday in the trial of Miles Pfeffer, the Bucks County man accused of murdering Temple University police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald in North Philadelphia in 2023. Pfeffer was charged with murder and other offenses for allegedly fatally shooting Fitzgerald near Temple's campus on Feb. 18, 2023. If convicted, Pfeffer faces life in prison. This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
CBS News
5 days ago
- CBS News
Jury selected for trial of Pa. man accused of murdering Temple University police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald
A jury was selected Monday in the trial of the Bucks County man accused of murdering Temple University police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald in North Philadelphia. The two sides also delivered opening statements, and testimony began in the case on Monday. Miles Pfeffer, who was 18 at the time of his arrest, was charged with murder for allegedly fatally shooting Fitzgerald near Temple's campus on Feb. 18, 2023. Pfeffer allegedly committed a carjacking after the shooting and then fled to Buckingham Township in Bucks County, where he was arrested the next day. He was also charged with murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery, carjacking, weapons charges and other offenses. Pfeffer has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, Pfeffer faces life in prison. Officials said that Fitzgerald tried to stop three people in a robbery just off Temple's campus when Pfeffer ignored the police officer's commands to stop. According to police, Fitzgerald caught up to Pfeffer, and a fight broke out. Pfeffer allegedly then took out a gun and shot Fitzgerald in the head. An affidavit claimed Pfeffer then stood over Fitzgerald and fired several more shots into his face and head area. Fitzgerald was later pronounced dead at Temple Hospital. The 1700 block of Montgomery Avenue where Fitzgerald was killed is now named Christopher Fitzgerald Way. The Fitzgerald family has previously expressed outrage over Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner's decision to not seek the death penalty in the case.
CBS News
06-06-2025
- CBS News
Family of slain Temple University police Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald prepare for upcoming trial of accused killer
The family of slain Temple University police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald was in court on Friday, preparing for the trial that is scheduled to start in two weeks. Prosecutors played a video showing a lifeless Fitzgerald lying on a North Philadelphia street after he was shot numerous times in the head. It was back in February of 2023 when prosecutors say Miles Pfeffer opened fire on Fitzgerald. "Having to see what was done to your husband – nobody should have to see that," Marissa Fitzgerald, Christopher's wife, said. Fitzgerald initially stopped Pfeffer, with investigators saying it was believed Pfeffer had been involved in recent robberies in the area. Defense attorneys argued the video would be prejudicial to the jury. Judge Glenn Bronson disagreed, saying while it was horrible to see, it wasn't inflammatory. Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald Family of Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald "It's very important to show the people in the city of Philadelphia what exactly happened to Christopher [Fitzgerald]. How he was murdered," said Joel Fitzgerald, Christopher's father, "We have to ask ourselves, why wasn't the ultimate penalty applied here?" The Fitzgerald family has previously expressed outrage over the Philadelphia district attorney's decision not to seek the death penalty. Pfeffer is charged with first-degree murder, and if convicted, faces the prospect of life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty. The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office declined to comment on questions about the death penalty. Jury selection for the trial is scheduled for June 23.
