Soros-backed police prosecutor won't seek death penalty for suspected cop killer, victim's family says

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner reportedly has no plans to seek the death penalty for the alleged killer of Temple University police Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald, despite the wishes of Fitzgerald's family, according to local reports.

After a year and a half of deliberations, Krasner informed the family that he would not seek the death penalty for Miles Pfeffer, 19, accused of shooting Sgt. Fitzgerald in February 2023, according to CBS News Philadelphia.

The decision goes against the wishes of the Fitzgerald family, who told reporters in January they wanted Pfeffer to be sentenced to death if found guilty. seconds on NBC News Philadelphia.

“While the death penalty is not part of the religious or personal beliefs of some, we respect the law and all associated legal penalties,” Chris' mother, Pauline, said in a statement issued Wednesday morning, according to CBS News Philadelphia. “Before tonight, we continued to pray that the justice system could work and that the fate of my son's killer would be decided by a judge or jury with all options available.”

Fitzgerald was shot to the head near Temple's campus during an “incident investigation,” after which Pfeffer allegedly tried to rob Fitzgerald of his weapons and went through his pockets when he was wounded. Pfeffer then allegedly proceeded to commit a carjacking and fled the scene, before being arrested by US Marshals and local law enforcement in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the Temple University Police Association confirmed to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

The Temple University Police Association also issued one statement on X, formerly Twitter, criticizing Krasner's decision.

“Shame on District Attorney Larry Krasner, he will NOT seek the death penalty in the murder case of our hero, Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald,” the association wrote. “Absolutely devastating news for the Fitzgerald family and law enforcement officers throughout Philadelphia.”

Krasner received roughly $2 million in support from Soros-funded PACs during his 2017 and 2021 campaigns, according to campaign finance reports.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia has struggled with violence since the pandemic, with the city experiencing a record 562 homicides in 2021, 85% of which were shootings. seconds in the Philadelphia Tribune.

“We recognize and appreciate the opportunity our family had to be heard. There has been national interest in Christopher's murder, and we are lobbying for thousands of families who cannot seek justice in a similar way,” he said. Fitzgerald's wife, Marissa, said in Wednesday's statement, according to CBS News Philadelphia. “We stand united and pray with them as they go through similar pain and trauma. While nothing can replace my husband or your loved ones, we must continue to fight for them and for change.

Pfeffer was scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The Philadelphia district attorney's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation. Attorneys for the Fitzgerald family also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Latest messages from Owen Klinsky (see everything)

We have zero tolerance for comments that contain violence, racism, profanity, profanity, doxing, or rude behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it, click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for engaging with us in a fruitful conversation.