A police officer from Upper Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania, faces voluntary manslaughter charges following the fatal shooting of a college student. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced the charges against Police Cpl. Sean Farrell in relation to the death of 22-year-old Glenwood Earl Pysher IV.
The incident occurred on August 23, when Pysher, after a night out with friends, mistakenly knocked on the wrong door. Believing it to be a break-in, the homeowners reported the situation to the police. Pysher sent his friends a photo of the house, realizing he was at the wrong location, and forwarded them his coordinates.
Before his friends arrived, Farrell encountered Pysher on a back patio. Despite being unarmed, Farrell opted for his gun instead of a less lethal option like a taser or baton. Steele highlighted that the interaction was not a justified use of lethal force.
This is not a legal use of lethal force,” Steele explained.
Body camera footage revealed that the officer ordered Pysher to raise his hands and get on the ground. As Pysher complied, Farrell shot him twice before finishing his warning to stop. The distance between them was approximately 17-20 feet.
Steele refuted Farrell’s claim that Pysher charged at him, stating that Pysher’s actions did not constitute a threat. The footage showed Pysher with his hands raised, not attempting to escape or engage in aggressive behavior.
The college student, remembered fondly by his community, was preparing to begin studies at Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey. His parents, speaking to CBS News, are struggling to comprehend the loss of their son.
Farrell surrendered to Montgomery County detectives and awaited arraignment.
Topics Covered:
- Pennsylvania Shooting
- Montgomery County Crime