Philadelphia Cop Sentenced for Fatal Shooting

Former Philadelphia police officer Edsaul Mendoza was sentenced to 8 to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Thomas 'T.J.' Siderio in March 2022. Mendoza pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and possession of an instrument of crime. The incident began when Siderio allegedly fired a gun at Mendoza's unmarked police vehicle, leading to a chase during which Mendoza shot Siderio, who had discarded his weapon and was lying face-down on the ground. The fatal shot was fired from close range into Siderio's back. This case marks the first time a Philadelphia officer has been convicted of murder for an on-duty shooting. Siderio's family expressed deep sorrow and dissatisfaction with the sentence, while Mendoza expressed remorse for his actions.