Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A former Philadelphia police officer pleaded guilty to 3rd-degree murder for fatally shooting an unarmed 12-year-old boy during a botched foot pursuit in 2022. The officer, Edsaul Mendoza, was initially charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and possession of an instrument of crime.
The incident occurred when Mendoza pursued the 12-year-old, Thomas “TJ” Siderio, who was believed to have shot at an unmarked police vehicle, prompting officers to take cover. Despite Siderio being unarmed and reportedly surrendering, Mendoza fired three shots, with the fatal shot hitting Siderio in the back while he was facedown on the ground. The Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner, described the events as “very, very disturbing.”
Following the guilty plea, Krasner emphasized the importance of accountability under the law, stating that justice must be even-handed. Mendoza’s attorney did not provide any comment on the plea deal. The guilty plea comes at a time when there is increasing scrutiny on police brutality cases across the country.
The Police Violence Report noted that only 1 percent of fatal police incidents resulted in officers being charged in 2023, highlighting the rarity of such outcomes. However, recent years have shown a shift, with more prosecutions against officers involved in violent encounters. Various high-profile cases, such as the sentencing of a sheriff’s deputy for assault and torture in Mississippi, and the conviction of former officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, have garnered national attention.
As Mendoza awaits sentencing, there is anticipation for the information that will be provided by the defense team and the pre-sentencing investigation. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding police use of force and the accountability of law enforcement officers in cases of misconduct.