Bucks County, PA – A teenager from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is facing trial for the shooting death of a Temple University police officer that occurred nearly a year ago near the university’s campus in North Philadelphia. Miles Pfeffer, 19, waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges including murder of a law enforcement officer and robbery in the February 2022 slaying of Officer Christopher Fitzgerald. The slain officer’s family expressed their desire to see Pfeffer sentenced to death.
The incident occurred when Officer Fitzgerald spotted three individuals dressed in black and wearing masks in an area where there had been a series of robberies and carjackings. He chased the trio, and after two of them hid, he continued to pursue the third. A struggle ensued, during which Pfeffer allegedly fired a handgun, fatally shooting Officer Fitzgerald.
According to law enforcement officials, Pfeffer then attempted to steal the officer’s service weapon, but was unsuccessful. He then allegedly carjacked a vehicle nearby and was arrested the following morning at his mother’s Bucks County home. Officer Fitzgerald was posthumously promoted from officer to the rank of sergeant during his funeral service in February.
Pfeffer is facing a multitude of charges in connection with Officer Fitzgerald’s killing, including murder, robbery, and disarming an officer. Family members of the slain officer expressed their desire to see Pfeffer sentenced to death if found guilty. However, the prospect of Pfeffer actually being executed is uncertain, as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed opposition to signing any death warrants.
The Fitzgerald family has also filed a lawsuit against Pfeffer and his parents, alleging negligence and wrongful death. The upcoming trial will shed further light on the tragic events that led to the loss of Officer Christopher Fitzgerald.