Miles Pfeffer trial expected to start Monday in 2023 killing of Temple police sergeant
New details in Miles Pfeffer trial: Opening arguments begin
Opening arguments have begun in the trial of Miles Pfeffer, who is accused of fatally shooting Temple University police Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald nearly two and a half years ago.
PHILADELPHIA - Nearly two and a half years after Temple University police Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald was shot to death, his alleged killer is expected to go to trial.
Miles Pfeffer is accused of fatally shooting Sgt. Fitzgerald during a struggle near the intersection of 18th and Montgomery avenues in Philadelphia in 2023.
Pfeffer, who was 18-years-old at the time of the fatal shooting, fled to a property in Bucks County where he was arrested a day later.
What we know:
The deadly encounter happened in Feb. 2023, while investigators say Sgt. Fitzgerald was patrolling near 18th and Montgomery avenues in North Philadelphia.
Fitzgerald, according to police, was patrolling alone when he tried to stop three young people in dark clothes due to recent robberies and carjackings in the area.
It's alleged that Pfeffer shot Fitzgerald three times during a struggle, and three more times after he collapsed to the ground.
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Slain Temple officer Chris Fitzgerald was patrolling area alone the night he was killed, officials say
Authorities say Officer Fitzgerald was on patrol alone the night he was fatally shot. According to police, he originally engaged with the suspect and two other teens after they were spotted in masks and dark clothing in an area that has seen an uptick in robberies.
Pfeffer allegedly fled the deadly shooting by carjacking a passing car and later ditching the vehicle several blocks away.
Pfeffer was arrested the next day at a property in Bucks County and charged with murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, evading arrest and other crimes.
During his arrest, investigators seized several firearms, including one they found badly burned in a fire pit.
The trial was delayed several months ago after the defense asked for more time to prepare, despite the prosecution being ready.
Pfeffer also suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds after investigators say he was attacked at Curran Fromhold Correctional Facility.
Dig deeper:
All twelve jurors, including a nurse, teacher, and bank teller were chosen before noon today.
The prosecution says they will show the jury ring video that captured the fatal shooting of Sergeant Fitzgerald, as well as video that shows the moments before and after his murder. They say they also have cell phone video showing Pfeffer allegedly carjack a victim right after the fatal shooting, and that victim will also testify in court.
The prosecution says their witnesses will include two people with Pfeffer that night, one being his younger brother, who was 16-years-old at the time, who identified Pfeffer as the shooter.
Pfeffer appeared in court in a suit, with a short haircut. The defense argues he did not commit first-degree murder.
His attorney told the jury during opening arguments that Pfeffer’s parents were recently divorced, and he and his brother would live with their mother in Bucks County during the week and spend the weekends in Philadelphia with their father.
Pfeffer’s attorney described what she called an ordinary night, saying Pfeffer was scared and reacted out of fear when Sergeant Fitzerald started following the trio as they walked out of the corner store, saying Pfeffer’s actions were not "premeditated, willful, or deliberate."
Sergeant Fitzgerald’s father, mother, wife, and more than a dozen other family members and friends attended day one of the trial. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel was also present.
After opening arguments, the prosecution called their first witness, an officer with the Philadelphia Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit, who explained pictures on display of evidence collected from the scene.
What's next:
The prosecution is expected to call their second witness when the trial resumes Tuesday morning.