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The suspended Philadelphia police officer turned himself in and was arrested on Friday morning and will face charges that carry a minimum of 35 years in prison. Fireman Handset
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner watches the body camera footage of former officer Mark Dial’s partner at a press conference announcing murder and other charges against Dial in the shooting and killing of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry on September 8, 2023. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced criminal charges against the police officer who shot and killed a man in Kensington last month.
Suspended Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial is accused of murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and official oppression.
Dial, who turned himself in on Friday, has been arrested and faces decades behind bars on murder charges. Philadelphia officer turns self in following fatal shooting Eddie Irizarry. (6abc)
Dial is accused of fatally shooting 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry Jr. on August 14 around noon. Police body camera video reviewed by Irizarry’s family was publicly released at their request, it shows that Irizarry was sitting in his vehicle holding a knife to his thigh when officer Dial shot him several times. WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor
Krasner said he released the video because it was in the public’s interest. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner answers press questions after announcing charges against former officer Mark Dial in the shooting and killing of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry on September 8, 2023. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
“To let people see what happened on a sunny Street in Philadelphia in a public place and what was done by law enforcement officers who work for the taxpayer,” he said. “We try our very best to be fair and be even-handed but we will not cover up for power.”
Police initially claimed that Irizarry was pulled over for erratic driving, got out of his car, and lunged at police with a knife before he was shot and killed.
Philly police shot and killed Eddie Irizarry within 5 seconds of exiting cruiser, new video shows
“I don’t care how you unpack this, a death sentence is not called for for erratic driving,” said attorney Shaka Johnson.
Mayor Jim Kenney says that he understands watching the police body camera video is disturbing and may “provoke anger and upset in our communities.”
Kenney asked the public to “remain peaceful in demonstrations and calls for accountability as we continue to process this tragedy as a city.”
Outgoing Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw suspended officer Dial in late August.
There’s still an administrative investigation underway inside the police department. WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor
“We will conclude our administrative investigation as soon as possible to ensure justice and closure is attained for all affected by the death of Mr. Irizarry,” Outlaw said in a statement.
Philadelphia council member for District 7, Quetcy Lozada, said in a statement that she thanked the District Attorney’s officer for prioritizing the case “with the urgency it deserves and [Krasner’s] commitment delivering the accountability we asked for.”
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Judge dismisses all charges against Philly police officer Mark Dial after Eddie Irizarry killing
Dial was suspended after officials said he refused to cooperate with investigators. Police said Dial was fired in mid-September.
Bail revoked for Mark Dial, Philadelphia police officer charged in fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry
Officer Mark Dial was charged with murder and was later released on $50,000 bail on September 8.
Eddie Irizarry Jr. killing and PPD response reveal lack of transparency and accountability, experts say
In Philadelphia, where relationships between police officers and residents are already strained, the fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry Jr. could have larger consequences.
Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza is WHYY News' business reporter.
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