Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald, a young police officer, husband, and father of five, tragically lost his life in the line of duty while attempting to prevent a carjacking by three teenagers in Philadelphia. The accused killer, 19-year-old Miles Pfeiffer, recently appeared in court for a preliminary hearing, almost a year after the incident occurred. The family of the fallen officer has expressed frustration over the delays in the case and blamed the district attorney's opposition to the death penalty and perceived soft on crime policies.
According to Joel Fitzgerald, the father of Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald, progressive district attorneys across the nation are attempting to implement changes in the way they apply the law. He contends that this results in significant delays in cases and a reluctance to recommend the death penalty for heinous crimes, such as the killing of a police officer. He believes that these officials prioritize their own philosophies over upholding the law, leading to a rise in crime rates in neighborhoods across the country.
Pauline Fitzgerald, the mother of Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald, agrees that the targeting and killing of a police officer should receive maximum penalties. She argues that the accused comes from an affluent background and targeted members of a suffering community, committing multiple aggravating factors including armed robberies. Pauline asserts that the punishment for such crimes should be death or life imprisonment and implores the district attorney to prosecute the case fairly and without bias against law enforcement officers.
Marissa Fitzgerald, the widow of Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald, fondly remembers her husband as an amazing father and role model to their children. She highlights his love for the family and his dedication to protecting the citizens of Philadelphia and Temple University students. Marissa also expresses the profound loss and heartbreak experienced by their family, emphasizing that Sergeant Fitzgerald deserves justice for his sacrifice.
The family's concerns about the handling of the case by District Attorney Larry Krasner's office are met with a statement from the office itself. They assert that the district attorney does not have a policy against seeking any type of sentence and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, aiming for individualized justice. They decline to comment on potential sentencing during active prosecutions.
The article emphasizes Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald's outstanding qualities, embodying the kind of person one would want in their neighborhood and tasked with protecting them. It acknowledges the Fitzgerald family's dedication to serving their community and expresses admiration and gratitude for their courage. The article concludes with a plea for justice to be served and the hope that the fallen officer's legacy will be honored.
