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Pennsylvania police officer charged with voluntary manslaughter in killing of college student

Created at 1 Sep · 6:41 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A Pennsylvania police officer has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the August 23 death of Glenwood Earl Pysher IV, a 22-year-old college student. The district attorney stated the officer had less-lethal options available and the victim posed no threat.

Key Numbers

22-year-oldage of victim
58age of officer

Who's Involved

Sean Farrell
Upper Pottsgrove Police Cpl. charged with voluntary manslaughter
Glenwood Earl Pysher IV
22-year-old college student killed
Kevin Steele
Montgomery County District Attorney

↳ Why This Matters

The charge against the police officer raises questions about the appropriate use of deadly force by law enforcement and accountability for officer-involved shootings.

Key facts

  • Upper Pottsgrove Police Cpl. Sean Farrell, 58, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter.
  • The charge stems from the Aug. 23 death of 22-year-old college student Glenwood Earl Pysher IV.
  • The Montgomery County District Attorney's office investigated the shooting.
  • The investigation found the officer had less-lethal options, such as a taser, that were not used.
  • The victim's hands were in the air, he possessed no weapon, and posed no threat, according to the DA.

A Pennsylvania police officer has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old college student. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced the charge against Upper Pottsgrove Police Cpl. Sean Farrell, 58, in the Aug. 23 death of Glenwood Earl Pysher IV.

The Montgomery County Detective Bureau investigated the incident, reviewing footage from Farrell's body-worn camera. According to a news release from the district attorney's office, Steele stated that the investigation determined Cpl. Farrell had less-lethal options available on his utility belt, including a taser, which he did not employ. Steele further noted that at the time of the shooting, the officer was a safe distance from Pysher, who had his hands in the air and did not possess any weapon. The district attorney concluded that Pysher was not a threat and that the use of deadly force was not justified, leading to the voluntary manslaughter charge.

Frequently asked questions

Upper Pottsgrove Police Cpl. Sean Farrell, 58, was charged with voluntary manslaughter.

The victim was Glenwood Earl Pysher IV, a 22-year-old college student.

The district attorney stated the officer had less-lethal options available and the victim posed no threat at the time of the shooting.

What Happens Next

01Cpl. Sean Farrell will face legal proceedings related to the voluntary manslaughter charge.

How It Developed

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced charges against Cpl. Sean Farrell.
Farrell is charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of Glenwood Earl Pysher IV.
The district attorney stated Farrell had less-lethal options and Pysher was not a threat.

Sources

T1
Pennsylvania police officer charged with voluntary manslaughter in killing of college studentAP News

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