A former Philadelphia police officer, who was fired after pleading guilty to murder in the shooting of a fleeing 12-year-old boy, has been sentenced to at least eight years in prison. The officer, a five-year veteran of the force, admitted to third-degree murder in the case.
The incident occurred in 2022 when the officer, identified as Edsaul Mendoza, fired a fatal shot into the back of Thomas “T.J.” Siderio, who was unarmed and on the ground at the time. Mendoza initially faced charges of first- and third-degree murder as well as voluntary manslaughter but accepted a plea deal.
During the sentencing, Mendoza expressed sorrow and regret for his actions. Prosecutors revealed that surveillance video contradicted some of the officer’s statements, including his claim that the boy had pointed a gun at him. The video also showed that Mendoza was almost directly over the boy on the sidewalk when he fired the fatal shot.
The tragic incident unfolded as four plainclothes officers in an unmarked car were investigating a firearm-related matter. When they attempted to stop Siderio and another individual, a shot was fired at their vehicle, injuring one officer. Mendoza and another officer then fired shots, with Mendoza ultimately striking Siderio in the back at close range.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner emphasized the discrepancies between Mendoza’s account and the evidence presented, leading to the guilty plea and subsequent sentencing. The case has sparked discussions about police use of force and accountability in the community.
