Philadelphia Dem DA Criticized Over Suspected Officer Killer’s Punishment-Find Out Details

The grieving family of slain Temple University police officer Chris Fitzgerald slammed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner this week after he rejected use of the death penalty for the 19-year-old suspect in Fitzgerald’s brutal murder. In this article we talk about Philadelphia Dem DA Criticized Over Suspected Officer Killer’s Punishment.

According to FOX NEWS, officer Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old husband and father of five, was fatally shot six times in the head in June 2022 while trying to stop a group of teenagers from committing a carjacking near Temple University’s campus. The entire incident was captured on Fitzgerald’s body camera.

“As a uniformed police officer in Philadelphia, he selflessly volunteered his time off duty, sacrificing moments with his family to give back to the community. For someone like him, who made us so proud, to be struck down in the streets of Philadelphia, and for the district attorney to decide this doesn’t warrant a judge or jury considering the death penalty as punishment is reprehensible,” said Joel Fitzgerald, Christopher’s father and a five-time police chief.

Fitzgerald’s grieving family argues that Krasner is denying citizens the opportunity to consider an appropriate punishment by removing the death penalty from consideration. They worry Krasner will instead try to broker a plea deal for third-degree murder to avoid a jury trial.

“He’s basically sending a message that it’s OK for you to brutally execute not only a police officer but a family man – a husband, a father, a son, a brother— and you’ll get a slap on the wrist,” said Marissa, Christopher’s widow.

Krasner’s office said the DA made his decision after extensive consultation with Fitzgerald’s family and a committee of attorneys who weighed aggravating and mitigating factors. But the family claims Krasner is pursuing his own political agenda.

This tragic case spotlights growing criticism of DA Krasner’s handling of violent crime in the city. Krasner has long voiced opposition to capital punishment and has moved away from seeking death sentences since taking office in 2018.

The Temple University Police Association blasted his decision as “absolutely devastating” for the Fitzgerald family and Philadelphia law enforcement. Even Pennsylvania’s governor recently shifted his stance to oppose capital punishment.

But for the Fitzgeralds, politics provide little comfort as they grieve an unspeakable loss. “If it can happen to us, it can happen to you,” said Joel Fitzgerald, arguing that public safety is at risk.

Suspect Faces Serious Charges, But Not Death

Miles Pfeffer, now 19, faces a spate of felony charges, including murder, robbery, and carjacking. But after shooting Officer Fitzgerald, authorities say he fled with the officer’s gun and committed additional violent crimes.

Despite the egregious nature of the allegations, DA Krasner will not seek a capital case. His office suggests Pfeffer’s young age and background were mitigating factors in the decision.

The Fitzgerald family has since called for Pennsylvania’s attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to take over the case. They want the death penalty back on the table to allow a jury trial and community input on appropriate punishment.

Without that option, the family worries Krasner will allow Pfeffer to plead guilty to lesser charges that fail to match the severity of the crime.

Rising Crime Plagues Philadelphia

Krasner’s reform-minded approach to prosecution has drawn praise from progressives and widespread scrutiny from crime victims and law enforcement alike.

While in office, Krasner has expanded diversion programs and alternatives to incarceration. But his critics point to alarming spikes in homicides, carjackings, and other violent offenses since he took office.

The homicide clearance rate has dropped to just over 50%, meaning nearly half of all murders go unsolved in Philadelphia. Retired officers accuse his policies of perpetuating a revolving door justice system.

Against this backdrop, Officer Fitzgerald’s murder has become a rallying cry for Philadelphians worried about public safety and police morale. The tragic case raises questions about how to balance criminal justice reform with accountability for violent acts.

DA Stands By Decision Despite Backlash

Krasner has weathered intense criticism before, but the Fitzgerald case and cries for his resignation have struck a national nerve.

His office maintains that the decision followed careful consideration of “all aspects of the case” and extensive input from Fitzgerald’s family.

A spokesperson said Krasner remains committed to vigorously prosecuting Pfeffer while continuing to support the Fitzgerald family. The office did not directly address allegations that political motivations outweighed the family’s wishes.

But for many Philadelphians, the explanations ring hollow as long as the man who “brutally executed” Officer Fitzgerald can evade the full weight of punishment.

Joel Fitzgerald spoke for many grieving families when he said losing a loved one to violence erodes public trust in leaders and institutions meant to deliver justice. The Fitzgerald family insists “proper justice” is the death penalty or life without parole.

Barring an 11th hour intervention by state authorities, Pfeffer’s fate rests in Krasner’s hands alone – a proposition the Fitzgeralds call “reprehensible.” Their plight raises difficult questions about balancing reform and retribution in an era of rising violent crime. I sincerely hope you find this “Philadelphia Dem DA Criticized Over Suspected Officer Killer’s Punishment-Find Out Details” article helpful.