Edsaul Mendoza, former police officer, charged with murder for shooting 12-year-old Thomas Siderio in Philadelphia

A former Philadelphia police officer is facing murder charges after shooting 12-year-old Thomas Siderio in the back and killing him in early March, according to court records.

The former officer, Edsaul Mendoza, was fired shortly after the incident, in which authorities initially pointed out that policemen had set fire to their cars and even shattered their car windows while pursuing the fight. gun investigation. Police said 12-year-old Siderio was armed, although his family objected to that account and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw soon determined Mendoza had violated the use of force policy.

Outlaws allege that Siderio is suspected of shooting at the vehicle, but authorities also indicate that Mendoza shot and hit the child in the right upper back with a bullet through the chest as he fled.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner is scheduled to hold a press conference to update the public on the investigation Monday morning, according to a news release. Philadelphia Inquirer. Court records show Mendoza faces charges of first and third degree murder, voluntary manslaughter and possession of a criminal instrument.

He was refused bail, records show. It is not clear if he has a lawyer.