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Cop Charged With Murder For Shooting 12-Year-Old Boy In The Back

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A former police officer is charged with murder for the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Thomas Siderio Credit: Facebook

Thomas ‘TJ’ Siderio died on March 1 while fleeing from police officers after he reportedly fired a shot at their vehicle in Philadelphia. Officer Edsaul Mendoza fired the fatal shot while Siderio was unarmed and lying face down after he and his fellow officers were pursuing him on foot. According to Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner said Officer Sarpong fired one shot after taking cover but Officer Mendoza fired three shots toward Siderio while chasing him. Siderio was unarmed during the chase after disposing of a Taurua 9 mm pistol.

“It is certain that Thomas Siderio, at the time he was shot, had stopped running and that he was possibly surrendering. It is certain that Thomas Siderio, at the time he was shot, was essentially facedown on the sidewalk, that he was in a position that approximates sort of a pushup. Turning back toward where the officer was pursuing him, perhaps turning to look at the officer who was pursuing him, when he was shot through the back,” Krasner said.

He continued to say that the third shot was within “half a car-length” of Siderio during the chase and had a clear shot before firing his weapon. Siderio fell to the ground after the second shot but it is unclear if he fell or dived down. However, it is clear that the former officer knew he was unarmed.

“When officer Mendoza fired the third and fatal shot, he knew the 12-year-old, 5-foot-tall, 111-pound Thomas Siderio no longer had a gun and no ability to harm him, but he fired a shot through his back, nonetheless, that killed him.”

After the shooting, Mendoza told the other officers that Siderio tossed the weapon and directed them to the gun. According to TOO FAB, Krasner also said Mendoza made “untruthful statements” about his location.

Mendoza was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and possession of an instrument of crime. His bond was also denied.

Originally, Mendoza and the two other officers were placed on administrative leave amid the shooting.

“Last night, a young child with a gun in their hand purposely fired a weapon at our officers and by miracle, none of the officers suffered life-threatening injuries. However, the life of a young man was cut tragically short, and we should all be questioning how we as a society have failed him and so many other young people like him. I ask that our community come together and be the community-the village-that we were intended to be and that our children need. I assure the public that a fair and thorough investigation will be conducted by our Internal Affairs Division.” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw on March 3.

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Deja Monet: Born and raised in the Bronx. I write stories that will make you laugh, cry, or mad.