A former Philadelphia police officer, Edsaul Mendoza, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and possession of an instrument of crime in the death of 12-year-old Thomas “TJ” Siderio. The incident occurred on March 1, 2022, during a foot chase after Siderio had discarded his gun. Mendoza was fired by the Philadelphia Police Department and faced charges of first-degree murder, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and possession of an instrument of a crime. The sentencing for Mendoza is scheduled for July 22, with the possible sentence still unknown at this time.
A grand jury investigation revealed that Mendoza and three other officers stopped Siderio and his 17-year-old friend while they were riding bikes. The boys ran after a shot was fired from an unmarked police car, and Mendoza chased Siderio on foot as he had a gun at the time. Mendoza fired three shots, with the fatal shot being fired from about 10 feet away after Siderio had discarded the gun. The grand jury concluded that Siderio likely fired a Taurus 9mm handgun at the unmarked car before the chase, and Siderio was shot in the back and died within 90 seconds. The grand jury described the foot chase as “tactically unsound” and deemed the boy’s death as a tragedy.
The grand jury document stated that Siderio had either fallen or dove to the ground when he was struck by the third shot. It also noted that Mendoza’s approach to Siderio was inconsistent with the officer believing that the boy was armed since Mendoza ran up the street completely exposed rather than taking cover and approaching cautiously if he thought Siderio was armed. Furthermore, Krasner, the District Attorney, emphasized the importance of accountability under the law, stating that justice must be even-handed in addressing cases like this one.
The guilty plea by Mendoza marked an important development in the case, shedding light on the events leading to Siderio’s tragic death. The incident raised concerns about police tactics and proper use of force, as Siderio was shot in the back while unarmed and possibly surrendering. The grand jury’s findings highlighted the discrepancies in Mendoza’s actions and his failure to adhere to correct procedure when dealing with a potentially armed suspect. Mendoza’s upcoming sentencing will provide some closure for Siderio’s family and the community impacted by the tragic loss of a young life.
District Attorney Krasner’s statement regarding the importance of ensuring accountability under the law reflects the need for fair and just treatment in such cases. The guilty plea by Mendoza signifies a step towards justice for Siderio’s family and the community affected by the incident. By acknowledging his wrongdoing and taking responsibility for his actions, Mendoza’s plea sets an example of accountability for law enforcement officers. Moving forward, the sentencing of Mendoza will serve as a crucial moment in addressing the consequences of his actions and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future. The tragedy surrounding Siderio’s death serves as a reminder of the impact of police misconduct on individuals and communities, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.
