Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner does not plan to seek the death penalty for the suspected killer of Temple University Police Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald, despite the wishes of Fitzgerald’s family, Krasner’s office and the Fitzgerald family confirmed to the Daily Caller News Foundation.
After a year and a half of deliberations, Krasner informed the family that he will not seek the death penalty for 19-year-old Miles Pfeffer, who was accused of gunning down Sgt. Fitzgerald in February 2023, Krasner’s office told the DCNF. The decision goes against the wishes of the Fitzgerald family, who told reporters in January they wanted Pfeffer to be sentenced to death if found guilty, according to NBC News Philadelphia.
“District Attorney Krasner, consistent with his oath to seek justice and uphold the law, will not seek the death penalty in the case of Miles Pfeffer, who murdered Police Officer Fitzgerald. This decision was made after extensive input over many hours from the family of Officer Fitzgerald, and from experts,” said Dustin Slaughter, spokesperson for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office. “The input of the family is deeply appreciated and was carefully considered by the committee and DA Krasner prior to his decision. The DAO looks forward to continuing to support the family’s needs and to vigorously prosecuting this terrible murder.”
The decision goes against the wishes of the Fitzgerald family.
“While the death penalty is not part of the religious or personal beliefs of some, we respect the law and all associated lawful penalties,” Chris’s mother Pauline said in a statement issued early Wednesday morning, according to CBS News Philadelphia. “Prior to this evening, we remained prayerful that the judicial system would be allowed to work and that the fate of my son’s murderer would be decided by a judge or jury with all available options.”
“[Krasner] gave us no reason for his decision. We asked to speak with him personally, and he declined,” the Fitzgerald family told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
BREAKING: The survivors of murdered Temple University Police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald are calling for a special prosecutor to pick up the case and replace Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
— Brian Hart (@BrianHartPR) July 10, 2024
Fitzgerald was reportedly shot in the head near Temple’s campus during an “incident investigation,” after which Pfeffer allegedly attempted to rob Fitzgerald of his guns and went through his pockets when he was wounded. Pfeffer then allegedly proceeded to commit a carjacking and flee the scene, before being apprehended by U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the Temple University Police Association confirmed to the DCNF.
The Fitzgerald family were not the only ones disappointed. The Temple University Police Association also issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, slamming Krasner’s decision.
“The embarrassment of District Attorney Larry Krasner, will NOT seek the death penalty in the murder case of our hero, Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald,” the association wrote. “Absolutely devastating news for the Fitzgerald family and law enforcement officers throughout Philadelphia.”
Krasner received roughly $2 million in support from Soros-funded PACs during his 2017 and 2021 campaigns, according to campaign finance reports.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has struggled with violence since the pandemic, with the city experiencing a record 562 homicides in 2021, 85% of which were shootings, according to the Philadelphia Tribune.
“We recognize and appreciate the opportunity that our family had to be heard. There has been national interest in Christopher’s murder, and we press on for thousands of families who are unable to seek justice in a similar manner,” Fitzgerald’s wife Marissa said in Wednesday’s statement, according to CBS News Philadelphia. “We stand in unity and prayer with them as they suffer similar pain and trauma. While nothing can replace my husband or your loved ones, we must continue to fight for them, and for change.”
Pfeffer was scheduled to be arraigned in court at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect comments from DA Krasner’s office and the Fitzgerald family’s attorney.
(Featured image credit: Screenshot/YouTube/CBS Philadelphia)
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