PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Edsaul Mendoza, the former Philadelphia police officer shot and killed 12-year-old Thomas “TJ” Siderio pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in March 2022, according to court records.
Mendoza was charged with first-degree, third-degree and voluntary manslaughter in connection with Siderio’s killing. He will be sentenced on July 22, sources told CBS Philadelphia’s Joe Holden.
Siderio was fatally shot by Mendoza on March 1, 2022, after a chase in South Philadelphia. Mendoza and three other plainclothes officers tried to stop Siderio and a 17-year-old near 18th and Barbara streets around 7:30 p.m. Officers claimed the 17-year-old had a stolen gun that was allegedly posted on Instagram. a week ago.
Police alleged that Siderio fired a gun at the officers in the car, shattering the rear window. Siderio and the 17-year-old ran in different directions and Mendoza chased Siderio on Barabara Street toward Moyamensing Avenue. Siderio threw the gun away during the chase, police said.
Mendoza fired three shots at Siderio during the chase — one at 18th and Barbara streets and another after Siderio threw away a gun, prosecutors said. The third and fatal shot was fired from “less than 10 feet away” into Siderio’s back as he lay “face down on the ground,” an official said. lawsuit filed by Siderio’s family against the city and Mendoza.
The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Siderio’s death a homicide in 2022.
Former Philadelphia Police Chief Danielle Outlaw Mendoza fired after the shooting for violating the department’s use of force policy.
In October 2022, Philadelphia District Attorney Lary Krasner said evidence showed this Mendoza knew Siderio was unarmed when he fired the fatal shot into his back.
Earlier this year, Siderio’s family sued Philadelphia and Mendoza seeking damages for wrongful death. The lawsuit also alleges systemic failures by the Philadelphia Police Department.
