In the wake of the Philadelphia District Attorney's decision not to seek the death penalty in the case of slain Temple University Police Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald, the Fitzgerald family has issued a call for a more punitive measure. As reported by NBC Philadelphia, the bereaved relatives are not only pressing for capital punishment but are also expressing a desire for the appointment of a special prosecutor to take over the case, should DA Larry Krasner maintain his stance against the death penalty.
Sergeant Fitzgerald, aged 31, was a father and husband whose life was tragically cut short during a violent confrontation in February 2023. According to law enforcement officials, as detailed in WHYY, Miles Pfeffer, then aged 18, engaged in a physical altercation with Fitzgerald and proceeded to shoot him six times. Pfeffer now faces charges encompassing murder, carjacking, and the killing of a police officer, and he is currently held without bail.
The decision by DA Krasner not to pursue the death penalty followed "extensive input over many hours from the family of Officer Fitzgerald, and from experts", spokesperson Dustin Slaughter stated, as per 6ABC. The District Attorney's office emphasized that the input from the Fitzgerald family was "deeply appreciated" and "carefully considered" before DA Krasner, a known capital punishment opponent, made his final determination.
Despite the dialogue with the DA's office, the family has suggested that a special prosecutor might take charge of the case due to its location near a SEPTA stop. Their pursuit of this avenue comes as Pennsylvania carries a state moratorium on the death penalty, and current Gov. Josh Shapiro has declared his refusal to sign any execution warrants. Looking forward, Pfeffer's legal journey continues with a scheduled court hearing set for July 31.
